The Digital Autism Therapy Startup Shuts Down ABA Services
The digital autism therapy startup, known for its controversial parent-led behavior technician model, will cease all applied behavior analysis (ABA) services by Jan. 15, 2027.
The company, founded in 2021, has undergone several transformations since its inception. Initially, it focused on virtual ABA therapy supervised by BCBAs, with parents becoming certified RBTs to deliver the treatment. However, this model was deemed unethical by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The startup subsequently moved away from this approach.
In August 2024, the company stopped paying parents, following a significant funding round of $55 million, in addition to earlier funding of approximately $4 million.
According to a memo obtained by BHB, the decision to shut down services was influenced by:
"ongoing challenges with payer and legislative acceptance of services, which have made our current services increasingly difficult to sustain. We also explored transitioning to a fully in-person model but determined that it was not operationally or financially feasible."
The company is gradually reducing its workforce, with the goal of letting go of all BCBA and RBTs by Jan. 15.
Forta Health's website currently lists virtual parent-led ABA services in 47 states and Washington, D.C., with an additional in-home ABA service line available in select metros in Texas and Ohio.
The company has declined to comment on the matter, but sources indicate that staff were informed of the decision during a meeting on Monday.
The memo also acknowledges the contributions of staff:
"You have helped children develop meaningful skills, supported caregivers, and made therapy accessible to families who might otherwise have gone without services."
This move comes a year after the company announced a nationwide expansion of its virtual services, incorporating AI and research into its practices, including using machine learning for treatment plan intensity and contributing to studies on virtual parent-led ABA models.
While parent-led virtual ABA models are gaining popularity, Forta Health's approach violated the BACB's ethical code. Other companies like Luna Family Autism and AnswersNow also offer similar virtual-only care models, with AnswersNow securing $40 million in funding earlier this year.
The memo concludes by assuring transparency: "We are committed to communicating openly and sharing updates as decisions are made."