How can I help my child get ABA services?

Given ABA services are sometimes offered in public and private school settings, requesting that ABA services be included in your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) is often a first step. Many families also set up delivery of ABA services in the home setting under the supervision of private providers or consultants who develop the program. Sometimes families supplement educational services provided in the school setting by also implementing services at home, while other times families implement a full-time (e.g., 30-40 hour) program in the home. In either case, it is important that parents and caregivers identify a competent behavior analyst who can direct and supervise program development. There is generally an assessment phase at the outset involving gaining knowledge of the child through parent/caregiver interviews, record review and direct observations. The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) (Sundberg & Partington, 1998) can be used with many learners to identify curricula needs and provide outcome measurement. Note also that ABA is not a cure for ASDs but a means to increase desired skills and behaviors and decrease undesirable ones (e.g., disruptive behavior, aggression, stereotypic behavior). Extensive and ongoing training with direct feedback regarding instructor performance, along with intensive and consistent effort from all team members, are required.