How to Choose an ABA Therapist

Not all ABA providers are the same. The quality of clinical supervision, therapist training, and how well a program is individualized to your child can make the difference between rapid progress and slow or no change. Use these seven questions to evaluate any provider you are considering.

7 Questions to Ask Every ABA Provider

1. Who holds the RBA credential and how many direct hours per month will they supervise my child's program?

   The minimum standard is 5% of therapy hours — but high-quality providers offer 10–20%+. More supervision = better outcomes.

2. What does your intake and assessment process look like before therapy begins?

   A proper start includes a functional behaviour assessment, skill assessment (e.g., VB-MAPP or ABLLS-R), and collaborative goal-setting with parents.

3. How do you involve parents in the program?

   Parent training should be a structured, built-in component — not an occasional update. Ask what percentage of funded hours include parent coaching.

4. How do you measure and report progress?

   Data should be collected every session. Parents should receive regular written progress reports — not just verbal updates.

5. What is the therapist-to-child ratio and how consistent is the therapy team?

   High turnover in frontline therapists disrupts progress. Ask about staff retention rates and your child's assigned team.

6. Is your program OAP-registered and familiar with the funding process?

   An experienced OAP provider helps families navigate funding without delays. Ask how many OAP families they currently serve.

7. What happens when goals are met or my child's needs change?

   A quality program has a clear process for advancing goals, updating the Behaviour Plan, and preparing for transitions (e.g., school entry).

Red Flags to Watch For

• No RBA credential on file — only unregulated behaviour technicians
• No formal assessment before therapy begins
• Vague or non-measurable goals ("improve communication")
• Parent coaching not included in the program
• Unable to provide written progress data on request