How to Spot an ABA Evidence Based Practice

Evidence based and high quality ABA programming means that your child is getting all of the support they need to thrive. To learn more about why it is important to ensure your child is getting a good quality ABA Evidence Based Practice that runs dynamic and growth based programming, check out Evaluating Quality ABA by Asking Your Provider Questions. 

Top 5 Questions to Ask an ABA Evidence Based Practice

ABA Practices are not all created equally. When deciding whether or not you are looking at an ABA Evidence Based Practice,  these 5 best methods can serve as solid starting point. 

1. Did they complete an  assessment before making any programming goals?
2. Are programming goals individualized for your child?
3. Is your ABA clinician  listening to you and your family’s concerns? 
4. Does the ABA clinician consistently take down data and make programming changes based on the data, observations, and the ABA team’s input?
5. Are the ABA sessions fun! ABA should be a positive experience for you and your child.

8 Questions to Ask that are Red Flags of Low Quality Practices

Here are some read flags to look out for if you think your child isn’t getting quality ABA therapy. This list is not exhaustive, but just some general things to look for if you have concerns. 

• Is your treatment plan written as a general plan for any kid and not individualized?
• Is your ABA provider is not taking data?
• Do the treatment interventions seem odd or not based on why the behavior is occurring?
• Do you barely see your BCBA and/or feel uninformed about programming goals?
• Is their a heavy focus on getting rid of behaviors and little focus on learning new skills?
• Has your child shown no or little improvement after a couple weeks of therapy? 
• Do you feel uncomfortable with staff or the programs being implemented?
• Is your child not having fun once ABA therapy has been established?