Questions to ask before starting ABA

Questions about goals and approach

• What goals would you prioritize first for my child, and why?
• How do you make sure goals match our family’s values and daily life?
• How do you handle distress, refusal, or sensory overload during sessions?
• How do you measure progress in a way parents can understand?

Questions about staffing and supervision

• Who will be on our team (RBT, BCBA), and how often is supervision?
• What happens if a therapist is absent or changes?
• How do you train and support your staff?

Questions about parent training

Parent training is often the difference between progress that stays “in session” and progress that shows up in real life.

• How will you coach us between sessions?
• What can we do daily for 5–10 minutes that will help most?
• How will you help with routines like bedtime, mealtimes, and transitions?

Questions about insurance and logistics

• Do you take our insurance? If not, do you help with out-of-network claims?
• What does the timeline look like from intake to starting services?
• How many hours per week do you recommend, and what’s that based on?