Choosing a provider who will understand your child’s needs and provide a therapy model that fits with your values can be a daunting task. There are numerous ABA therapy agencies and therapy options, and it can often be difficult to tell from a website what those therapy services will look like. When looking for a provider, it can be helpful to ask to speak to a clinician in your area, to discuss their experience, methodology, and philosophy of treatment. Let them know what style of ABA you are looking for and ask if that’s something they provide. Don’t be afraid to ask about the training and experience that is required of the staff that will be working directly with your child. Provider availability and wait lists may also be a factor in your decision; ask what the wait times are for the providers in your area. Gather information on how much involvement will be required of caregivers and how convenient it is to change the time, location, or therapist, if needed. ABA is a goal-based therapy with measurable outcomes for your child. Talk with the provider about how progress with therapy will be measured.
Just because you start with one ABA agency doesn’t mean you have to stay with them, if you feel it’s not working for you or your family. You can request to change providers and try another agency that may be better aligned with your preferences.
