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ABA Therapy, Autism, Child Development

5 Things to Expect from Your ABA Service Provider: A Parent Guide

Finding the right Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) service provider for individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities is crucial for ensuring effective and high-quality treatment. ABA therapy has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in research and technology. In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 key things you should expect from your ABA service provider.

 

  1. Individualized Treatment Plans: Individualized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs are essential for successful ABA therapy. Expect your service provider to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop personalized treatment goals that address specific skill deficits and behavioral challenges.

 

  1. Qualified and Trained Staff: Ensure that your ABA service provider employs qualified and trained staff, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and International Behavior Technicians (IBTs). These professionals should have the necessary certifications, ongoing training, and supervision to provide evidence-based ABA interventions.

 

  1. Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA): A comprehensive Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a critical component of ABA therapy. Expect your service provider to conduct FBAs to identify the underlying causes and functions of challenging behaviors. The results of the FBA should guide the development of effective behavior intervention plans.

 

  1. Evidence-Based Interventions: Your ABA service provider should utilize evidence-based interventions supported by scientific research. These interventions are proven to be effective in teaching new skills and reducing problem behavior. Examples include Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and Functional Communication Training (FCT).

 

  1. Parent Training and Involvement: Expect your ABA service provider to emphasize parent training and involvement. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in implementing ABA strategies outside of therapy sessions, promoting consistency and generalization of skills. Providers should offer parent training workshops and ongoing support.

 

Choosing the right ABA provider is essential to the success of your child. By having clear expectations you can ensure that your loved one receives the best care possible. In addition, by finding a provider that meets the above criteria you can feel confident that your child will make progress toward their goals.

 

Reference

BACB (2020). Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BACB-Compliance-Code-english_190318.pdf

 

National Autism Center (2020). Findings and Conclusions: National Standards Project, Phase 2. Retrieved from https://www.nationalautismcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/NAC-National-Standards-Report-FINAL-12-10-15.pdf

 

O’Neill, R. E., Horner, R. H., Albin, R. W., Sprague, J. R., Storey, K., & Newton, J. S. (2020). Functional Assessment and Program Development for Problem Behavior: A Practical Handbook.