ABA Therapy - Getting Started

Are you looking into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for your child? Wondering what ABA is?  Learn more about ABA specific terminologies and some background on the ABA therapy approach. 

It can feel overwhelming but you are not alone! 

Important ABA Theapy Facts

• Programs created for individuals are based on the individual’s strengths and needs.
• Research has shown that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have significant improvement with an intensive ABA program.
• An intensive ABA program is often 20 hours of therapy per week or more.
• Data collected during each ABA session is used to determine how effective a program is, and as a result, becomes an important guide in making decisions about future programs. 
• The individual learns new skills in structured and natural situations to support successful understanding of the skill.

WHO provides ABA Therapy?

There are several people that help to provide the services and support you and your child need. Chiefly, the three main roles are: Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Case Manager (CM), and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Let’s check out what role each person plays in providing ABA to your child.

1. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT):

Working directly with your child to provide behavior analytic services, RBTs  work under the direction and supervision of a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). To become an RBT, specifically, they complete a nationally recognized paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. 

2. Case Manager (CM):

Working towards becoming BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts), CM’s focus on getting enough hours of experience as well as completing their Master’s program. Their job is to support BCBAs with programming, behavior plans, and RBT supervision. Additionally, they help with parent training support and work with a child directly when an RBT is unavailable.

3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA):

The experts in applied behavior analysis, BCBAs are in charge of your child’s programming, behavior intervention plans, parent training, and overseeing RBTs.

WHERE is ABA Therapy provided?

ABA therapy can be conducted anywhere!  Generally, ABA services are held in the home, school, or in a clinic setting.

1. Home-based

Delivered in your home, in the child’s natural environment, home based services include active family participation. The family members and professionals work together during sessions. 

2. Center-based

Delivered in a structured environment, center-based services include planned socialization with peers, one-on-one work with professionals and your child, and consults with you, the caregiver, about treatment.

3. School-based

Delivered in your child’s educational environment, school-based services typically include the teaching of social skills with peers and adults in the educational environment and involve collaboration with your child’s educational teams.