3 Signs of a High Quality ABA Program
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is the most frequently recommended treatment for autism. It is recommended in almost every autism evaluation I have read and tends to be the treatment most parents seek out after receiving a diagnosis. And, for good reason. ABA therapy is the most widely researched intervention for the treatment of autism symptoms and has proven to be effective in teaching new skills and reducing problem behavior. Research has shown that early and intensive interventions based on behavioral science can close developmental gaps and produce positive outcomes. But, these outcomes presume high quality services provided by experienced providers. There are a number of factors parents should be aware of so that they can be educated consumers when looking for ABA clinics. Most states currently have a significant shortage of ABA service providers which has led to lengthy waiting lists. Just getting in to a clinic may be a hurdle so some parents think they can’t be choosy. Some clinics are expanding too rapidly leading to inexperienced staff and “cookie cutter” programs. Parents often feel anxious to get their child into therapy because they don’t want to waste any more time to start critical interventions. Rightfully so! But, no therapy is better than bad therapy.
However, all ABA programs are not high quality programs. So, what is “bad ABA” and what should you look out for in finding a good program. Here are three signs to ask about and look for when evaluating ABA programs and service providers.
1. Individualized goals based on your child’s unique needs.
All treatment starts with an assessment to identify your child’s current skills. This data is then used to choose goals for therapy. Parent input should be considered in this process and the goals chosen should make sense to you as areas of priority for your child. When selecting priority areas, consideration should be given to the areas of behavior, communication, learning, social skills, and daily living skills. Not all areas are equally important. For example, if a child is engaging in self injurious behavior then you want to make sure that this is a priority goal area rather than learning colors. Seems obvious but some programs resort to using software that chooses goals based on what most kids should know by a certain age rather than individualized goals chosen specifically for that child.
2. Use of positive reinforcement over punishment.
Good ABA programs should be child friendly and emphasize positive reinforcement. The best therapy involves creating a positive relationship between the therapist and the child so that therapy is enjoyable and fun. If you tour a clinic, look for signs of positivity and happy kids. Does the clinic feel comfortable and a place where you want your child to spend time? Do you feel comfortable with the therapists? ABA is a time commitment so it’s important that it feels like a good fit for you and your child.
Now, we know ALL kids will throw tantrums sometimes or engage in problem behavior. Ask questions about how these situations are handled? Is there a level of professionalism or do the adults seem emotionally charged in these situations? Be cautious of the use of any interventions using punishment or corrective measures. These techniques should never be used as a first option.
3. Skills taught during ABA MUST be generalized to home and/or school
ABA works so well because it is a 1:1 intensive therapy that maximizes learning opportunities using a high level of reinforcement to promote learning. That’s a great start and often necessary to teach new skills. But, that’s also not real life. You aren’t going to always be able to provide the same amount of attention at home while you're trying to cook dinner, do laundry, and take care of your other children. The environment at home and school are completely different than therapy so a quality ABA program will intentionally plan for how to generalize the skills learned in therapy into other environments and with other people. You want to know ahead of time how generalization will be incorporated into the plan. Parent training is crucial to teaching you how to work with your child at home to practice their newly acquired skills.
Lastly, good ABA therapy is not about curing autism or changing who your child is as a person. The therapist you choose should work to help your child learn to navigate the world and develop to their fullest potential while respecting their needs and boundaries.
This is an important, long-term relationship. It’s worth taking the time to find the right fit.
Not sure if your child is receiving the right services or want to learn more? Schedule a free consultation call today.
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