Our heart-centered mission
We see every child’s strengths and struggles, and know that each one needs something different to succeed.
When we approach them with sensitivity and respect, giving exactly the support they need, they’ll have more opportunity and happiness. We’ve watched this approach work again and again, and we’re excited to support your family too.
With the right combination of respect, sensitivity, and personalized support, they’re open to new opportunities and are proud of every step they take.
The Skillset Team
Our heart-centered mission
We see every child’s strengths and struggles, and know that each one needs something different to succeed.
When we approach them with sensitivity and respect, giving exactly the support they need, they’ll have more opportunity and happiness. We’ve watched this approach work again and again, and we’re excited to support your family too.
With the right combination of respect, sensitivity, and personalized support, they’re open to new opportunities and are proud of every step they take.
The Skillset Team
Compassion
You know what works best for your family. We listen and adapt to your schedule and priorities, so therapy feels right for both of you.
Support
We recognize the challenges that both parents and children face, and we're here to give you real, empowering support.
Consistency
Real progress happens when therapy is reliable. We show up consistently, building the trust and routine your child needs to flourish.
Real kids, real progress
Sleep Training
Toilet Training
Expressing Needs
Communication Skills
Following Directions
Esther resisted going to sleep and frequently woke up throughout the night. We established a calming bedtime routine to help her wind down and also reduce nighttime awakenings. Now, Esther sleeps through the night and even asks her parents to start bedtime, which has become her favorite part of the day.
Esther, Age 5
Lea frequent toileting accidents were interfering with her school experience and daily life. She showed signs of anxiety around using the bathroom. We implemented a positive toilet training method that addressed Lea’s anxiety and built up her toilet independence one step at a time. Now, Lea stays dry both day and night, confidently managing her toileting without reminders from her parents or teachers.
Lea, Age 4
Mali struggled to ask for help and frequently resorted to tantrums when her needs were unmet, leaving her frustrated and overwhelmed. We worked on building her communication skills and encouraged her to express what she wanted or needed. This included role-playing scenarios and positive reinforcement for using her words. Now, Mali has tantrums much less often and confidently asks for help when she needs it, allowing her to navigate her daily activities with greater ease and calmness.
Mali, Age 7
Max came in completely nonverbal, struggling to communicate his needs. We focused on building his vocabulary and encouraging him to express himself with words. Now, Max now uses new words to communicate with his parents, siblings, and babysitter. He has a calmer and happier disposition.
Max, Age 6
Eli would ignore his parents’ instructions and refuse to cooperate with daily routines, leading to constant power struggles and frustration for the whole family. We worked on building his listening skills through clear, consistent communication and positive reinforcement when he followed through on requests. Now, Eli listens to instructions the first time and willingly participates in family routines, creating a much more peaceful environment for everyone.
Eli, Age 10
Meet our founder
Sara Muschel, MS, BCBA, LBA
With over 19 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Sara Muschel founded Skillset ABA with a clear mission: to provide exceptional, individualized support for children with autism and their families.
Sara holds a Master’s degree in Education and School Building Leadership, along with a Post-Master’s certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her dedication continues to shape Skillset ABA into a place where care is not only effective, but also deeply personal.
Meet our founder
Sara Muschel, MS, BCBA, LBA
With over 19 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Sara Muschel founded Skillset ABA with a clear mission: to provide exceptional, individualized support for children with autism and their families.
Sara holds a Master’s degree in Education and School Building Leadership, along with a Post-Master’s certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her dedication continues to shape Skillset ABA into a place where care is not only effective, but also deeply personal.
“After witnessing the profound impact of well-implemented ABA therapy, I became passionate about creating a practice where clinical excellence and genuine compassion work hand in hand. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves the support to help them along the way.”
“Sara Muschel's therapists are encouraging, insightful, and never give up. Their preparation and creativity keep sessions engaging and productive.”
"Perhaps the greatest aspect of Sara is the genuine relationships she develops with children. Her work is literally what I would call ‘second to none.’”
"Sara inspires in the most unassuming way, showing respect and care in everything she does, often in ways that only family and child can appreciate."
Frequently asked questions
What is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?
ABA therapy is all about understanding behaviors that might be holding your child back and helping them learn new, positive skills to replace those behaviors. It can gently reduce challenging behaviors that might affect safety or limit opportunities at home, school, or in the community. Applied Behavior Analysis is the science of learning and motivation—backed by decades of research—that helps children with developmental differences improve communication, social skills, and independence in ways that truly matter to their everyday lives.
How can I find out if my child qualifies for ABA services?
In New York State, ABA services are currently approved for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To get started, you will need to provide a prescription and comprehensive psychological evaluation. If you haven’t yet received a diagnosis or aren’t sure, check in with your pediatrician for guidance.
Do you accept my child’s insurance?
Many insurance plans cover ABA therapy, and we’re here to make navigating that process as easy as possible. Reach out to us to learn whether your child’s insurance plan covers our services.
Can you guarantee my child’s challenges will disappear?
We understand how important it is to you to see your child succeed. While no one can promise that all challenges will vanish, our goal is to work closely with your child to build valuable skills and reduce difficult behaviors. This gives them more opportunities to enjoy family routines, school, and community activities with confidence.
How is Skillset ABA different from other ABA providers?
At Skillset ABA, we believe in doing things differently. Inspired by Dr. Hanley’s “Today’s ABA” approach, we focus on compassion, trust, and joy as the foundation before teaching new skills.
Rather than just aiming to reduce behaviors or demand compliance, we use Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) to understand the reasons behind behaviors. From there, we teach meaningful, real-life skills that genuinely improve your child’s quality of life.
Our sessions are built on connection, collaboration, and respect, so every child feels safe, valued, and empowered. At Skillset ABA, we don’t just teach skills—we build relationships that nurture growth and confidence.
Who will be working with my child?
Our team includes experienced, caring therapists who are trained and supervised to provide the highest quality ABA services. We aim to build strong, consistent relationships, so your child feels safe and supported throughout therapy.
How do you involve families in the therapy process?
We believe family involvement is key to success. We’ll teach you practical strategies to use at home and keep you updated with regular progress reports. We’re here to support your whole family every step of the way.
What should I expect during my child’s first assessment?
We’ll spend time getting to know your child’s unique strengths and challenges through observation and conversations with you. This helps us create a personalized plan tailored to your child’s needs. We’ll also answer any questions you have so you feel confident and informed from the start.
The work is real.
So is the heart behind it.
Real progress happens with connection and consistency. Our genuine, creative approach makes working with us a pleasant experience for your whole family.
Take the first step, we’ll take care of the rest
