Questions to Ask ABA Providers: Complete Interview Guide

The Right Questions to Find the Right Provider

Choosing an ABA therapy provider is a significant decision. Asking the right questions helps you evaluate options and find the best fit for your child and family. Use this guide when interviewing potential providers.

Questions About Credentials and Staff

Start by understanding who will be working with your child:

• What are the credentials and experience of your BCBAs?
• How long have your BCBAs been practicing?
• What training do your RBTs complete before working with children?
• What is your staff retention rate? Average tenure?
• How do you handle therapist turnover?
• What ongoing training does your staff receive?
• Are your staff licensed as required by our state?
• Do you have experience with children my child's age?
• Do you have experience with [specific concerns, e.g., non-verbal children, aggression, etc.]?

Questions About Assessment and Treatment

Understand their clinical approach:

• What assessment tools do you use?
• How long does the initial assessment take?
• How do you develop treatment plans?
• What ABA techniques do you primarily use?
• How do you individualize treatment for each child?
• How do you set goals? Can parents provide input?
• What is your approach to addressing challenging behaviors?
• How do you handle safety concerns during sessions?
• Do you use any specific curriculum or methodology?

Questions About Supervision and Quality

Ensure adequate oversight of your child's therapy:

• How much BCBA supervision is provided?
• How often will the BCBA observe therapy sessions?
• What is the BCBA-to-client ratio?
• How often will the BCBA meet with us as parents?
• How do you ensure treatment quality?
• What quality assurance processes do you have?
• How do you handle concerns about treatment quality?

Questions About Data and Progress

Understand how progress is measured and communicated:

• How do you collect and use data?
• How often will we receive progress reports?
• What format do progress reports take?
• Can you show me an example progress report?
• How do you measure success?
• How often are treatment plans updated?
• What triggers a change in the treatment plan?
• How will I know if therapy is working?

Questions About Parent Involvement

Your involvement is crucial for success:

• What is your expectation for parent involvement?
• Do you provide parent training? How often?
• Can parents observe therapy sessions?
• How will you teach us strategies to use at home?
• How do you communicate with parents between sessions?
• What is your response time for parent questions?
• Will you coordinate with our child's school or other providers?

Questions About Logistics and Scheduling

Practical considerations matter:

• What is your current waitlist time?
• What hours do you offer services?
• What settings do you provide (home, center, school)?
• How flexible is scheduling?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• How do you handle therapist absences?
• How far will therapists travel for in-home services?
• What happens during school breaks or holidays?

Questions About Insurance and Costs

Understand the financial aspects:

• Do you accept my insurance plan?
• Are you in-network or out-of-network?
• Do you handle insurance authorization?
• What is the typical authorization process timeline?
• What out-of-pocket costs should I expect?
• Do you require payment upfront?
• What happens if insurance denies coverage?
• Do you offer any financial assistance?
• What do you do if insurance reduces authorized hours?

Questions About Their Values and Approach

Ensure alignment with your family:

• What is your philosophy about ABA therapy?
• How do you view the autistic community's concerns about ABA?
• How do you ensure therapy is child-centered?
• How do you balance skill-building with child wellbeing?
• What are your goals for the children you work with?
• How do you respect neurodiversity while providing treatment?
• Can you describe your company culture?

Questions to Ask Current Families (References)

If the provider connects you with references:

• How long have you been with this provider?
• What has your experience been like?
• How has your child progressed?
• How is communication with the team?
• Have you had any concerns? How were they handled?
• Would you recommend this provider?
• Is there anything you wish you'd known before starting?

Red Flags in Provider Responses

Be cautious if providers:

• Can't or won't answer questions directly
• Guarantee specific outcomes
• Pressure you to commit quickly
• Are dismissive of your concerns
• Can't explain their approach in understandable terms
• Have very high staff turnover
• Don't include parents in the treatment process
• Won't provide references
• Seem more focused on hours than on your child