Starting ABA Therapy? Here Are the Questions Every Parent Should Ask

Beginning ABA therapy for your child can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. You want to ensure that your child receives the best possible care, but where do you start? Knowing the right questions to ask can help you navigate this new journey and find the right fit for your child’s needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore key questions to ask when starting ABA therapy, helping you to make informed decisions and feel confident about your choice.

1. What Are the Qualifications of the Therapists?

Why It Matters: You want to make sure that the therapists working with your child are well-trained and qualified. Knowing the credentials of the professionals involved in your child’s care is crucial.

Questions to Ask:

Is the therapy overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?
What qualifications and experience do the Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) have?
How often will the BCBA be involved in my child’s therapy sessions?

2. How Is Progress Measured?

Why It Matters: ABA therapy is data-driven, meaning progress should be regularly tracked and adjustments made as necessary. Understanding how progress will be measured ensures that your child is on the right path.

Questions to Ask:

How do you track and measure my child’s progress?
How often will progress reports be provided, and what will they include?
What happens if my child is not making progress as expected?

3. What Does the Initial Assessment Involve?

Why It Matters: The initial assessment sets the foundation for your child’s therapy plan. Knowing what this assessment entails helps you understand how your child’s needs will be identified and addressed.

Questions to Ask:

What is included in the initial assessment?
How long does the assessment process take?
Will I be involved in the assessment, and if so, how?

4. How Are Goals Set and Prioritized?

Why It Matters: Setting the right goals is essential for your child’s development. Understanding how goals are chosen and prioritized ensures they align with your child’s unique needs.

Questions to Ask:

How are therapy goals determined and prioritized?
Will I have input in setting my child’s goals?
How are goals adjusted as my child progresses?

5. What Techniques and Interventions Will Be Used?

Why It Matters: ABA therapy involves a variety of techniques tailored to each child’s needs. Knowing which strategies will be used helps you understand how your child will be supported.

Questions to Ask:

What specific ABA techniques will be used with my child?
Can you provide examples of how these techniques work in practice?
How do you address challenging behaviors?

6. How Will Therapy Be Integrated into Daily Life?

Why It Matters: Consistency is key in ABA therapy, so it’s important that techniques used in therapy are reinforced at home. Understanding how therapy can be integrated into daily routines will help ensure your child’s success.

Questions to Ask:

How can I reinforce therapy techniques at home?
Will you provide training or resources for us as parents?
How can we incorporate ABA strategies into everyday activities?

7. What Is the Role of Family in the Therapy Process?

Why It Matters: The involvement of family can greatly influence the effectiveness of ABA therapy. Knowing how you can contribute to your child’s progress is important.

Questions to Ask:

How involved will I be in the therapy process?
Will there be regular parent meetings or training sessions?
How do you communicate with families about their child’s progress and challenges?

8. How Flexible Is the Therapy Schedule?

Why It Matters: You need a therapy schedule that fits your family’s routine. Understanding the flexibility of the therapy program ensures it’s sustainable in the long term.

Questions to Ask:

How often will therapy sessions occur, and for how long?
Can the schedule be adjusted to fit our family’s needs?
What happens if we need to reschedule a session?

9. What Are the Costs and Insurance Options?

Why It Matters: Understanding the financial aspects of ABA therapy ensures there are no surprises down the road and helps you plan for your child’s treatment.

Questions to Ask:

What is the cost of therapy, and what does it include?
Do you accept insurance, and if so, which providers?
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses I should be aware of?

10. How Do You Handle Transitions?

Why It Matters: Transitions, whether they are to new schools, therapists, or routines, can be challenging for children with developmental disabilities. Knowing how transitions are handled ensures continuity of care.

Questions to Ask:

How do you manage transitions between different phases of therapy or between therapists?
What is the plan for when my child no longer needs ABA therapy?
How do you support children during significant life changes (e.g., starting school, moving)?

Starting ABA therapy is a big step, and asking the right questions will help you feel confident in your decisions. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate, and gathering as much information as possible is key to finding the right ABA provider. At ABA Solutions, we are committed to answering all your questions and supporting your family throughout the therapy process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child thrive.