Finding the Right ABA Provider.
Navigating an autism diagnosis is overwhelming. Now throw in the search for an ABA provider, who will work closely with your family for (potentially) years to come. Do not take this decision lightly; interview several providers and ask lots of questions in order to find the right fit for your family.
When choosing an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider for your child, it’s essential to ask thoughtful, informed questions to ensure the therapy is high-quality, ethical, and tailored to your child’s unique needs. Below is a list of key questions parents should ask potential ABA providers to guide their decision-making:
About the Clinical Team
Who will be supervising my child’s program?
Are they a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?
How often will they observe or interact directly with my child?
What is the training and background of the behavior technicians (RBTs) working with my child?
Are they Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)?
What kind of ongoing training and supervision do they receive?
Assessment and Program Development
How do you assess a child’s needs and develop an individualized treatment plan?
What assessment tools do you use (e.g., VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, Vineland)?
How do you ensure that goals are generalized and functional in the natural environment without “teaching to the test?”
How are therapy goals selected?
Do you involve parents in setting goals?
How do you ensure goals are developmentally appropriate and meaningful?
Do you develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) if challenging behaviors arise?
How do you identify and address the function of those behaviors?
How are parents/caregivers trained on the implementation of the BIP?
Intensity, Scheduling, and Setting
How many hours per week do you recommend for my child, and why?
How do you determine whether my child needs comprehensive or focused ABA?
Where is therapy provided (home, school, or community)?
Can you accommodate sessions across multiple settings?
What does a typical session look like?
How do you balance structured learning with natural environment teaching?
How long is each session?
Data Collection and Progress Monitoring
How is my child’s progress measured and tracked?
What kind of data do you collect, and how often?
How often will I receive progress updates?
Do you provide written reports, graphs, or parent meetings?
How do you make decisions about changing or updating the treatment plan?
Parent Involvement and Support
How are parents involved in therapy?
Do you offer parent training or coaching?
Can I observe sessions?
How do you handle parent feedback and concerns?
How do you support generalization of skills to home, school, or the community?
Ethics and Child-Centered Care
How do you ensure therapy is respectful of my child’s needs and preferences?
Do you offer choices during sessions?
How do you handle a child who resists or refuses therapy?
What is your approach to reducing challenging behavior?
Do you use positive reinforcement?
Do you avoid punitive or aversive strategies?
How do you incorporate my child’s interests, personality, and strengths into therapy?
Insurance, Costs, and Logistics
Do you accept my insurance?
What does the authorization process look like?
What is your policy on cancellations, makeup sessions, and scheduling flexibility?
Is there a waiting list?
How long is the typical wait before services begin?
Final Tip:
Bring a notebook and feel empowered to ask for documentation or references. The right provider will welcome your questions and prioritize your child’s well-being, progress, and dignity.
