01
Request an Initial Meeting / Tour the prospective ABA Facility:
Tips for Parents
Request an initial meeting with the ABA therapist to discuss your child's needs and goals. This meeting will help you determine if the therapist is a good fit for your child.
02
Go to the meeting equipped with questions, as though you are conducting an interview - YOU ARE.
Consider asking these vital questions to assess a provider's qualifications:
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How many BCBAs and behavioral therapists do you employ?
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Are your therapist registered behavioral therapist (RBT's)?
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Are your BCBAs licensed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and the state?
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What kind of background checks are performed on your staff?
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Can you tell us about the training your therapists undergo and how often it occurs?
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How is direct supervision provided to behavioral therapists by BCBAs?
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What is the flexibility of your therapy schedule in terms of hours per week?
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How many therapists will be involved with our child's care?
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Do you offer video monitoring and surveillance?
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Is there a waitlist for your services?
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What insurance plans do you accept?
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Do you offer electronic door security?
03
Watch for red flags
As you move through this decision-making process, keep an eye out for signs that might indicate a provider is not a good fit for your child's needs. These include insufficient supervision, a focus on punishment over positive reinforcement, and a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Remember, effective ABA therapy is about respecting and empowering autistic individuals, helping them navigate their world in their own unique way, not about "curing" or "reducing" autism symptoms.