What to Look for in ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy can be very effective for any child that has autism; however, picking the best therapist or therapy center is a challenge. Not only are there multiple options, but you also have to consider all the different specializations and extra features. If you want to hire a professional in ABA therapy, here are the main things to focus on.

Why We Founded Buzz ABA: When our son was diagnosed with autism at age 8, finding the right ABA provider was overwhelming. Many families in the Concord, NH area were waiting months for services, traveling long distances, or settling for providers who treated children as numbers rather than individuals. We started Buzz ABA because we understood firsthand what families need: accessible, compassionate, high-quality care delivered by professionals who truly understand your journey.

Experience and Background

It's always very important to hire someone that has lots of experience in this niche. Look for therapists with a master's degree or a PhD in behavior analysis or a related field. You should also inquire about their professional history and if they are specialized in a certain age group, for example. At Buzz ABA, our Clinical Director Jennifer Harbour, M.S., BCBA, brings over 20 years of ABA experience, with a background in Early Childhood Development and Special Education, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis.

What Programs Are Used for ABA Therapy?

Every therapist and therapy center will have their own strategies and programs they use to assist kids. It's important to understand those programs, what they include, how they work with your child, and so on. Ideally, they should have a customized plan for every child, and they should use evidence-based practices. Ask about their expertise in areas like verbal behavior, functional communication training, and naturalistic teaching methods.

Reviews

Of course, reviews are important because they will let you know how good the therapist is, if there are any concerns, etc. Once you learn more about the therapist, it will be easier to pinpoint the right option. After all, reputation is key, so it always helps to go with someone who has very good reviews and who also replies to any negative reviews professionally and with evidence, if possible.

Will They Keep You Updated?

Another thing to note about ABA therapy programs or therapists is the approach they have when it comes to sharing updates. That's up to you, but it's always a good idea to receive updates from the therapist. A progress tracking system is obviously ideal, but not all therapists will offer that.

Will the Family Be Involved in the ABA Therapy Programs?

Some therapists involve the family in the ABA program, while others don't. It depends on the type of programs that they find suitable for the child. It can be a possibility to encounter those programs where family involvement is crucial, and that's certainly a thing to keep in mind. As a family-run practice, we at Buzz ABA deeply understand how important parent involvement is—because we've been in your shoes.

Other Things to Consider:

Is any data collected when it comes to your child's skill acquisition and behavior? Will you have access to that data or not?
Ask for references that might help narrow down the right therapist.
Do they take a neurodiversity-affirming approach that respects your child's unique strengths?
Is their approach personalized, or do they use a one-size-fits-all model?

Finding the best ABA therapy specialist will always be a challenge, but these tips and ideas should help streamline the process. It's very important to make sure that you focus on finding the best therapist for your child, so don't rush the decision. Instead, take your time as you narrow down the best option!

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Buzz ABA provides comprehensive, evidence-based ABA therapy in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding NH communities. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach helps children thrive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should an ABA therapist have?

Look for therapists with a master's degree or PhD in behavior analysis or related field. They should have BCBA certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Also inquire about their professional history and whether they specialize in specific age groups.

What programs do ABA therapists use?

Quality ABA therapists use evidence-based practices and customize plans for each child. Programs should include individualized treatment plans, structured teaching techniques, data collection, and strategies tailored to the child's unique needs and learning style.

How important are reviews when choosing an ABA provider?

Reviews are very important as they reveal how satisfied other families are with the therapist. Look for providers with positive reviews who respond professionally to concerns. Ask for references to help narrow down the right option for your child.

Should families be involved in ABA therapy?

Family involvement is often crucial for ABA success. Some therapists involve families directly in programs, while others focus on parent training. Ask about family involvement expectations and how parents can support their child's progress at home.

How will I know if my child is making progress in ABA?

Ask about progress tracking systems and how often you'll receive updates. Quality providers collect data on skill acquisition and behavior, share progress reports regularly, and adjust treatment based on results. Parent access to progress data is ideal.