Madison · Wisconsin

Compassionate ABA Therapy in Madison

Child exploring a colorful bead maze during a play activity

We accept Medicaid and all major insurance plans, and we’ll walk you through your coverage before anything begins. We take the time to know your child, by name, by personality, by what makes them light up, so their plan is built around who they are.

Accepting Medicaid & most insurances

Support as your child grows

Full-day programs available

Start Your Child's Journey

Fill out the short form to get started. We’ll review your information and help you understand the next steps for your child.

You're not alone

We See You, and We're Here in Madison

If you’re reading this at midnight after another hard day, you’re not alone. Whether you just received a diagnosis, you’re waiting for one, or you simply know your child needs more support than they’re getting, we understand the exhaustion, the questions, and the hope that brought you here.

At our Madison center, children ages 2 and up build communication, social, and everyday skills through one-on-one, play-based ABA therapy. We offer center-based, in-school, and hybrid programming, along with parent and caregiver training. Early intervention is our primary focus, and support can continue as your child grows.

Our Madison team includes Spanish-speaking staff. Tell us your family’s preferred language when you reach out so we can help you understand the support available.

Your child’s personality, interests, and voice are strengths we build on. We’ll help you understand your options and take the next step with a team that gets to know your family.

A smiling therapist painting a cardboard car with a toddler

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects how a child communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world, and it looks different in every child. It occurs across every community, in about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. today. A diagnosis isn’t the end of a story; it’s the start of understanding your child more fully.

What is ABA Therapy, and How Is Ignite's Different?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-backed approach that helps children build communication, social, and daily living skills, not by changing who they are, but by giving them tools to thrive as themselves.

Every session is delivered one-on-one, never in a group.

Here’s the truth: not all ABA looks the same. Ignite’s approach is play-based and naturalistic; therapy happens through the games, routines, and moments your child already loves, led by their interests, not a rigid script. That’s a deliberate difference from the table-based, compliance-driven model some larger providers still use.

What ABA builds

What ABA Helps Your Child Build

Communication

Words, signs, devices, whatever gets your child heard

Social Connection

Playing, sharing, and making friends

Daily Living

Dressing, eating, toileting, and self-care routines

Emotional Regulation

Naming big feelings and moving through them

Fewer Hard Moments

Reducing tantrums and aggression by teaching what to do instead

What We Offer at Our Madison Center

At our Madison center, children ages 2 and up learn through play, familiar routines, and one-on-one support. We build each plan around your child’s interests and needs, helping them develop communication, social, and everyday skills in a warm, engaging environment. Early intervention is our primary focus, with goals that grow alongside your child.

Your child’s learning doesn’t have to stop at the center door. Hybrid programming combines center-based and in-school ABA support when appropriate, helping children practice skills across settings. We work with your family and school team to plan a mix of support based on your child’s needs and insurance coverage.

Support can continue when your child starts school. In-school ABA helps children work on individualized skills in the setting where they use them, including classroom routines, communication, and connecting with others. Services depend on your child’s needs, school coordination, and insurance authorization.

You know your child in ways no one else does. We work with parents and caregivers to understand what’s helping, talk through challenges, and practice strategies that fit your family’s routines. It’s a chance to ask questions and feel more confident supporting your child beyond therapy.

The Ignite Difference

Every plan is built around your child’s interests, not a standardized protocol, with supervision ratios well above the industry norm (15–20% vs. the typical 10%). Wisconsin-based and mission-driven, not backed by a private equity firm chasing scale.

What to expect

Your Family's Journey With Us

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your child’s strengths and challenges, answer all your questions, explain our services, and verify your insurance benefits, all at no cost to you.

1

We Get to Know Your Child

Before we write a single goal, we spend time observing, listening, and learning what makes your child them: what they love, what’s hard, what a good day looks like.

2

We Build a Plan Together

Your family’s goals, not just clinical ones, shape the plan. You’ll help set what progress means for your child.

3

Therapy Begins

Sessions happen through play, in a 1:1 setting, led by trained therapists supervised closely by a BCBA, with you involved every step through parent training.

4

We Track Progress, Together

Data is collected every session and reviewed regularly with you: no surprises, no jargon, just honest updates on how your child is growing.

5

We Adjust as Your Child Grows

As skills stick, we scale back support thoughtfully, helping your child use what they’ve learned everywhere: home, school, the park.

6

Graduation, a Milestone Worth Celebrating

When your child is thriving in their natural environment, that’s not goodbye. It’s the outcome we were working toward together.

A Look Inside Ignite

Warm, playful spaces give children room to explore, connect, and learn. These photos from Ignite’s Fox Valley center offer a look at the welcoming environments we create for families.

Bright open play area with a sun mural and colorful alphabet rug at Ignite Child Development Services
Therapy room with a polka-dot wall, colorful cube chairs and a patterned play rug
Play room with a toy kitchen, ride-on toys and an ocean-themed rug
Sensory corner with a space-themed play tent and a hanging swing pod
Movement room with a trampoline, exercise ball and soft play mats

MEET YOUR MADISON TEAM

The Team Behind Your Child’s Therapy

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) design and oversee your child’s therapy program. They create individualized plans, supervise therapists, and partner with you through training and progress updates.

At Ignite, BCBAs provide 15 – 20% supervision, double the industry standard, for faster, more personalized care.

Jenna Riley, Intake Coordinator at Ignite Child Development Services

Your first contact

Jenna Riley, Intake Coordinator

When you call Ignite, you’ll hear a warm, welcoming voice ready to listen and help you understand the next steps.

Jenna, our intake coordinator, can answer your questions about getting started, services, and the intake process.

Call us at 920-599-8619. You can ask your questions directly to Jenna.

Sara WagnitzSara Wagnitz, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Sara has been in the field of ABA since 2017 and became a BCBA in 2021 after earning her Master’s degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. She has worked as a BCBA in Minneapolis and Seattle before joining the Ignite Madison team. Sara is passionate about building strong connections with her clients while providing trauma-informed, assent-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, farmers markets, rollerblading, and exploring local restaurants with her dog.

Natalie LasinskiNatalie Lasinski, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Natalie began her ABA career as a behavior technician in 2019 and became a BCBA in 2025 after earning her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Michigan State University. She has experience working with children ages 2 – 12 across clinic, home, and community settings. Natalie is passionate about compassionate, client-centered care and continuous learning. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, visiting coffee shops, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Insurance

We Accept All Insurance, and We'll Help You Navigate It

We accept Medicaid and BadgerCare, as well as all major commercial insurance plans, including Optum/UHC and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our team helps Madison families understand their benefits before therapy begins.

Medicaid & BadgerCare

You do not need an autism diagnosis to get started. A prescription for ABA therapy from your child’s pediatrician is all it takes to begin the process.

Commercial / Private

A formal autism diagnosis is required before ABA therapy can be authorized. If your child doesn’t have a diagnosis yet, we’re happy to help connect you with the right resources to start that process.

Don’t see your insurance listed? We may still be able to help. Our team works with families to explore every available path to coverage. Reach out and we’ll walk through your options together.

Rooted in Madison

Our Madison center supports children and families at 3910 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705. Whether your child is starting center-based therapy or needs support at school, we’ll help you understand the options available to your family.

Through center-based, in-school, and hybrid programming, we help children practice skills where they use them. Parent and caregiver training connects that learning with everyday routines at home. Spanish-speaking staff are available at our Madison location.

Why Families Choose Ignite in Madison

Families choose Ignite for our compassionate, family-centered care and evidence-based practices, dedicated to helping every child thrive.

  • Individualized, Child-Centered Programs
  • Highly Trained Clinicians
  • Support Across All Environments
  • Strong Collaboration
  • Flexible, Accessible Services
  • Focus on Long-Term Success

What If This Doesn’t Work for Us?

We know it’s hard to hope again, especially if you’ve been let down before.

✓   High-quality care you can trust (double BCBA supervision)

✓   Data-driven progress with fast adjustments

✓   You’re part of the team, not on the sidelines

✓   Most families start within weeks, not months

Why Waiting Matters

Early support gives children more opportunities to build communication, social, and everyday skills. Early intervention is our primary focus, and we serve children ages 2 and up, with support that can continue as they grow.

Let’s talk about what your child needs and how we can help.

Common Questions About ABA Therapy in Madison

No. With Medicaid or BadgerCare, a prescription for ABA therapy from your child’s pediatrician is all it takes to begin the process.

Yes. Commercial and private plans require a formal autism diagnosis before ABA therapy can be authorized. If your child doesn’t have a diagnosis yet, we’re happy to help connect you with the right resources to start that process.

We serve children ages 2 and up in Madison, with early intervention as our primary focus. Your child’s services are based on their individual needs, stage of development, and insurance coverage.

The length of therapy varies for each child. Children can continue in our center-based program until they begin school, then receive in-school and/or hybrid services if needed and if insurance allows. We review progress with your family and adjust support as your child grows.

Before we write a single goal, we spend time observing, listening, and learning what makes your child them: what they love, what’s hard, and what a good day looks like. Then we build a plan together with your family.

Yes. Our Madison team includes Spanish-speaking staff. Let our intake team know your family’s preferred language so we can discuss the support available and help you get started.

We accept Medicaid and BadgerCare, as well as all major commercial plans, including Optum/UHC and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Reach out and our team will verify your benefits, explain your coverage in plain language, and manage the authorization paperwork for you.

Your Child's Next Chapter Can Start Here

You’ve read this far because you’re looking for the right fit, not just any provider. Let’s talk about what your family needs.

Parent Contact Form

We’re Here for Your Family

Reaching out is a big step, and we’re glad you’re here. Fill out the short form to get started. It only takes a few minutes.

What happens next:

We’ll review your information to see if your child meets the initial criteria for our core programming.

  • If so, we’ll email you a second short form to reserve your child’s spot in line, verify your insurance benefits, and learn a bit more about them. Once we receive this, a member of our clinical team will reach out to walk you through next steps.
  • If your child doesn’t meet criteria for our core programming, we’ll reach out to talk through what other services might be a good fit.

Please keep an eye on your email (check spam, just in case) and voicemail in the days after you submit. We move quickly and don’t want to miss you.