The task of finding the right provider may seem overwhelming. After all, this is an extremely important decision. Here are a few things you will want to take into consideration:
1. Funding. For most people this is going to play a big role. Research shows that the number of hours your child receives impacts results. Check with your insurance company to find in-network providers or determine if you have out-of-network coverage. If your insurance doesn't cover ABA therapy, talk to your school district about receiving a home program or parent training hours. Make sure that the hours are clearly stated in your child's IEP (Individualized Educational Plan). If you are paying out-of-pocket, keep in mind that more expensive providers are not necessarily better. Make sure they check off all the boxes on your list.
2. Credentialed. The people working with your child should have extensive training and knowledge in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Ideally, the program should be overseen by a credentialed behavior analyst (BCBA-D, BCBA, or BCABA). This person is sometimes referred to as the coordinator. You can go to www.bacb.com to find a list of qualified behavior analysts in your area. In some states, behavior analysts are required to be licensed (NJ is not one of them at this time). The people spending the most time working directly with your child will be the therapists. Look for therapists who have many years of experience and training. Similar to the behavior analyst, there is a certification for therapists called RBT, or Registered Behavior Technician. RBT's have undergone at least 40 hours of training in Applied Behavior Analysis, passed a test, and completed supervision by a BCBA-D or BCBA. While it's not essential to have the RBT certification, it's something that should be taken into consideration.
3. Setting. Do you want the therapy to take place in your home or at a clinic? Many agencies only do one or the other. Think about your schedule and if you have other children or work obligations. Is it more convenient to have someone come to your home? Will it be a distraction to the child receiving services or to others in the home? The main advantage of having services in the home is that skills are taught in the setting that they are going to be used in, with the people who will reinforce those skills, using your own materials. Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) often have difficulty generalizing skills across people, settings, and materials.
4. Individualized. Your home program should be individualized to your child and family. Be aware of cookie cutter approaches or individuals who make grand promises. ABA is a lot of work and will require your family to be very involved. What worked for one child, may not work for your child. Your child's treatment plan must be individualized to them.
5. Collaborative. Not only is your whole family going to be involved in the process, your child may receive other services such as: physical therapy, occupational therapy, or attend an ABA program at their school. The home program team should work with these other professionals to ensure that there is a cohesive treatment plan. No one should be doing something that interferes or undermines the other professional's goals. Be weary of professionals who refuse to collaborate or push their methodology over others. Often, there is room at the table for everyone.
6. Good match. You are going to see the people on your child's ABA team a lot! You need to feel confident and comfortable with them. Of course, there will be an initial adjustment as you and your child adjust to therapy but you should feel at ease and that your child's best interest is at hand. If you feel uncomfortable about something, bring it up to the therapist or coordinator. Sometimes, personalities, just don't match. If you feel your child and the therapist are not a good match, speak to the coordinator to see if there is anything he/she can do differently or if there is someone else who would be a better match.
7. Data Collection. Last but certainly not least is the importance of data collection. An ABA program is not an ABA program without data. It's the foundation of the science. Be extremely weary of anyone saying they "do ABA" and don't have any data to back up what they are doing. Data should be taken on a regular basis, analyzed, and used to make decisions.
Comments