Inside a Quality ABA Program: What Families Should Know
Written By: Jennifer Dobson, Training Coordinator
Working in the field as a behavior analyst, I’ve witnessed how difficult it can be for families to decide on an ABA program that meets their expectations and needs. Online information frequently leads to uncertainty and confusion and parents may find it challenging to decide what is best for their child due to the wide range of ABA viewpoints.
Understanding ABA
ABA is the application of the science of behavior analysis to address real-world problems and improve socially significant behaviors. ABA focuses on the belief that behavior can be studied and understood, and through this understanding, we can implement strategies to promote positive change. While ABA is widely recognized in the context of autism intervention, its principles are applied across a variety of fields such as addiction, mental health, and eating disorders. The science of ABA has a broad foundation of evidence supporting its effectiveness in creating lasting changes across diverse challenges.
Despite common misconceptions, ABA is not a specific teaching method. It’s a scientific framework that supports various effective interventions. These interventions are not one-size-fits-all but are tailored to the unique needs of each individual, supported by decades of scientific research.
Key Characteristics of a Quality ABA Program
A high-quality ABA program for your child will incorporate several essential characteristics to ensure that your child receives individualized, effective, and compassionate treatment.
-
The Importance of Consent and Assent
Consent is foundational in a quality ABA program. Families should be fully informed about the strategies and interventions being used, and the content of consent forms should be clear and understandable. Engagement and cooperation from the child is also important. If a child is showing signs of distress, it signals a withdrawal of consent, and the provider should adjust the approach accordingly. A genuine, positive learning environment is one where the child feels happy and shows engagement.
-
Individualized Program Design
A key feature of ABA is that it is highly individualized. A team of qualified professionals, typically including Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), will collaborate with the family to develop a tailored intervention plan. This plan will focus on fostering independence, communication, social skills, and reduction in displayed behaviors, that will lay the foundation for success in the child’s life.
ABA also focuses on generalization, meaning the skills learned in therapy should transfer to different environments, settings, and people. This ensures the child can use those skills in a variety of real-life situations.
-
Collaboration with Parents and Caregivers
Caregiver participation is crucial. A quality ABA program will include ongoing coaching for parents and caregivers on how to implement strategies throughout the day. This empowers families to continue the work outside of formal sessions and helps with continued progress in their everyday environment.
-
Data-Driven Decision Making
ABA is inherently data-driven. This means that the child’s progress is regularly tracked, and decisions about the child’s treatment is heavily based on that data. Quality ABA programs use data to monitor progress, adjust goals, and ensure that the interventions are effective. Parents should have access to this data and should be provided with clear, understandable explanations about their child’s progress.
-
Handling Challenging Behavior
ABA focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors while teaching replacement behaviors for those that are less adaptive. This process involves understanding the function of the behavior and addressing it accordingly. If a child is disengaged or exhibits challenging behavior(s), the team will adjust strategies to ensure that the child is motivated and actively engaged in being taught replacement behaviors to use instead of engaging in challenging behaviors. The response to challenging behavior should always be discussed collaboratively with the entire family and team to ensure consistency and appropriateness of interventions.
-
Highly Qualified Professionals
It’s essential that the professionals delivering ABA services are properly trained and certified. ABA services should be provided by individuals who hold credentials from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). These professionals are required to have extensive training and experience, as well as ongoing professional development. BCBA’s who are well-versed in the application of ABA can work effectively with families to design and implement appropriate interventions. RBT’s are also a critical part of the team as they implement the intervention strategies under the supervision of a BCBA.
The Role of ABA in Autism Intervention
A quality ABA program is an essential tool in the treatment of autism because it focuses on measurable, individualized goals. The principles of ABA have been rigorously researched and have shown to be highly effective in helping children with autism acquire essential skills while reducing challenging behaviors. ABA is a science-based approach that is not only effective, but also compassionate and respectful of the child’s dignity and autonomy.
It’s important to look for programs that are transparent, individualized, and focused on data-driven outcomes. Collaboration between the ABA team and your family is key and ensuring that your child feels engaged and comfortable during the process is paramount. If you’re considering ABA services for your child, be sure to ask about the qualifications of the team, how goals are set and measured, and how your involvement will be incorporated into the process. ABA programs can set your child on the path to greater independence and success, helping them thrive in social, educational, and everyday environments.
