Finding the right Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) service provider for your child can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it's important to recognize that what works well for one family may not be the right fit for another. Every child has unique needs, and your family's values, preferences, and level of involvement will also play a significant role in determining the best provider.
This guide will help you navigate the process of choosing an ABA provider by outlining key factors to consider, important questions to ask, and red flags to watch out for.
Step 1: Clarify What You Want and Need
Before reaching out to providers, take some time to reflect on what's most important to you and your child. Here are some key questions to consider:
Service Setting: Do you prefer in-home services, where therapy takes place in your child's natural environment, or a centre-based model, where your child works with therapists in a structured setting? There are pro's and con's of each. For more information regarding choosing a service setting, click here.
Therapy Approach: Do you want a child-led approach that follows your child's interests, or a more therapist-led approach with structured teaching?
Parental Involvement: Do you want to be highly involved in therapy sessions and implementation at home, or do you prefer a provider who manages most of the intervention with minimal family involvement?
Supervision and Staff Turnover: Do you want a provider with highly qualified professionals who are directly employed and offer consistent supervision, or are you comfortable with a model that has less direct oversight but may be more affordable?
Service Hours and Intensity: Are you looking for a full-time, intensive ABA program (e.g., 20-40 hours per week), or a part-time or targeted intervention to address specific skills?
Specialization: Does the provider have experience with your child's specific needs, such as communication delays, challenging behaviours, or social skills? Does the service provide have specific experience, education and supervised practice working with others the same age as your child?
Flexibility and Customization: Do you want a highly individualized plan that adapts to your child's progress, or a more standardized approach?
Collaboration with Other Professionals: Does the provider collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, or educators if needed? Are their additional costs associated with collaboration?
Insurance and Funding Compatibility: Does the provider accept your funding source or offer flexible payment options?
Values and Philosophy: Does the provider's philosophy align with your family's values and parenting style?
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions When Interviewing Providers
Once you have a clearer idea of what you're looking for, reach out to potential providers and ask questions to determine if they are a good fit.
Here are some important questions to ask:
How do you determine the number of service hours a child needs?
Look for providers who conduct thorough assessments rather than assigning a standard number of hours to all clients.
What qualifications do your therapists and supervisors have?
Ensure that Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) or Registered Behaviour Analysts (RBAs) are directly involved and provide ongoing supervision.
What does supervision look like? How do they ensure the ABA therapists are doing a good job?
Supervision should include, reviewing data regularly, meeting with the clinical team to discuss progress, challenges and next steps, evaluating treatment integrity - how well the therapy is being implemented like it's supposed to be implemented, directly observing the therapy sessions & collaborating with caregivers.
What does a typical therapy session look like?
This will help you determine if their approach aligns with your expectations.
How do you measure progress and adjust goals?
Providers should use data-driven decision-making and be able to explain how they track success.
What role do parents and caregivers play in therapy?
Make sure their expectations for family involvement align with what you are looking for.
How do you handle challenging behaviours?
Look for answers that prioritize evidence-based, ethical approaches rather than outdated or punitive strategies.
What is your policy on therapist turnover and staff consistency?
High staff turnover can disrupt therapy and make progress difficult. Some turn over should be expected, and service providers should have a detailed plan or process for how they deal with turn over when it does happen.
How do you involve other professionals in a child's treatment if needed?
Collaboration with other specialists can be beneficial for a well-rounded approach.
Do you require a minimum number of service hours?
Be cautious of providers who require a set number of hours without considering individual needs.
Step 3: Watch for Red Flags
Not all ABA providers operate with the same level of professionalism and ethics. Here are some red flags to be aware of:
They Offer Services Without Learning About Your Child First
A good provider should ask about your child's strengths, challenges, and goals before recommending a treatment plan. If they claim they can help without knowing anything about your child, that's a red flag.
They Have a Rigid Minimum Number of Service Hours
While some children benefit from intensive ABA, not all need the same number of hours. Providers should individualize recommendations based on assessment, not impose a standard requirement.
Their BCBAs/RBAs Are Only Consultants, Not Direct Employees of the Service Provider
Some agencies rely on part-time or contract BCBAs who oversee multiple cases with minimal direct involvement. Ideally, you want a provider with full-time, engaged clinical supervisors who are actively involved in your child's program and the supervision and training of the therapists involved.
They Use One-Size-Fits-All Programs
ABA should be individualized. If a provider uses the same programs and materials for all children, with little flexibility, it may not be the best fit.
High Turnover with Little Supervision
Frequent staff changes can disrupt therapy and make progress harder. Ask how often supervisors observe sessions and how they support their therapists.
They Lack Transparency About Methods or Data Collection
A reputable provider should be open about how they track progress and willing to share data with you. If they seem secretive or dismissive, be cautious.
Finding the Right Fit Takes Time
Choosing an ABA provider is an important decision, and it's okay to take your time to find the right fit. The best provider will be one that aligns with your child's needs, your family's values, and your expectations for therapy.
By asking the right questions, watching for red flags, and prioritizing what's most important to your family, you can find a provider who will support your child's growth and success.
Need Help Navigating ABA Services?
At Progressive Steps Training and Consultation Inc, we believe in individualized, ethical, and evidence-based ABA services. If you're looking for a provider who will take the time to understand your child's unique needs, contact us to learn more about our approach and programs.
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