Frequently Asked Questions
Starting ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for a child or loved one can be a significant step for families looking to support behavioral and developmental growth. As you begin this journey, it is natural to have many questions about what ABA therapy involves, how it works, and what to expect. Understanding the key elements of ABA therapy—from how sessions are conducted to what kind of progress can be anticipated—can help families feel more confident and prepared. Below are some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process of starting ABA therapy, offering insight into the fundamentals of the therapy, the role of therapists, the involvement of caregivers, and the overall journey toward achieving positive outcomes.
“Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on using the science of behavior analysis to understand how behavior works, how it is affected by the environment, and how learning can be achieved. ABA is focused on identifying applied solutions to challenging situations in our society. It is not a teaching method in and of itself, but the science behind how interventions are designed and implemented. ABA focuses on the reliable measurement and objective evaluation of observable behavior within relevant settings, including homes, schools, and communities.
ABA-based interventions, of which there are dozens, are used across the lifespan to increase engagement with the environment, enhance the learning of new skills, and support the development of social interactions and communication skills needed to form social relationships and gain access to preferred items and activities.”
McKenna, K. (2024). A treatment summary: Applied Behavior Analysis. Science in Autism Treatment, 21(3).
“Behavior analysts are mindful of social validity, the rightness of fit between an intervention and the goals, values, and resources of the individual and family members, when choosing goals in their work with clients, family members, and other stakeholders. Interventions based on the principles of ABA can focus on:
Teaching new skills and increasing behaviors, such as social and communication skills, that are meaningful to the client and that will result in access to new environments, greater independence, and increased self-advocacy.
Analyzing and modifying conditions in the environment to restrict or narrow conditions under which interfering behavior occurs and self-fulfillment.
Reducing interfering behaviors (e.g., self-injury or aggression) that can restrict an individual’s full participation in educational, social, and work settings or may require psychotropic medication.
Where needed, supporting clients in learning procedures, such as self-monitoring when completing job-related skills, with the goal of maintaining and generalizing behaviors in work and social contexts.
Generalizing or transferring behavior from one situation or response to another (e.g., from completing assignments in a resource room to completing similar assignments in the mainstream classroom).
Supporting and teaching family members, other caregivers, and service providers in their important roles of shaping behavior and teaching new skills across all environments.”
McKenna, K. (2024). A treatment summary: Applied Behavior Analysis. Science in Autism Treatment, 21(3).
ABA therapy and services are delivered daily by a Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) under weekly supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA will also conduct biannual assessments and progress reports for insurance authorization, provide monthly parent coaching sessions, and provide weekly program modifications. All of our providers are licensed through the Washington State Department of Health.
As ABA is an evidence- based practice, research shows that therapy delivered in increments of 10, 15, or 30 hours is most beneficial to clients. BCBAs will prescribe hours based on the assessment conducted during intake. Often more hours are prescribed to early learners to target the early intervention window where clients have more brain plasticity.
The primary goals of ABA therapy are to increase behaviors with deficits (i.e. communication, social skills, self-care, adaptive skills) and to reduce behavioral excesses (maladaptive or dangerous behaviors). Each client’s goals are individualized and developed based on assessments and the client’s/family’s goals for independence.
The first step in starting ABA therapy is receiving an autism diagnosis from a Center of Excellence provider. Once that diagnosis paperwork is received, clients and their families are encouraged to reach out to ABA providers to begin intake paperwork.
At Pacific Northwest Behavior, when the necessary paperwork is provided (diagnosis, referral, insurance card), an eligibility check will be conducted and the BCBA will work with the client and their family to complete a “Parent Interview” and a “Client Assessment/Intake”. When these steps are completed, the BCBA sends a prescription for hours and a timeslot. If the client and family accept these hours and the time slot prescribed, the BCBA begins a treatment plan that is sent to insurance for authorization.
An individualized treatment plan is created based on the client’s and family’s needs and goals using various curriculums that employ ABA principles. Some of these curriculums include: PEAK Relational Learning, Verbal Behavior - Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills- Revised (The ABLLS-R), Denver Early Start Model, Skills-Based Treatment (SBT), Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), Socially Savvy, and AFLS Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS).
ABA therapy is conducted Monday-Friday in an AM (15 hours/week), midday (15 hours/week), full-day (30 hours/week), or evening (10 hours/week) timeslot. These time slots are prescribed based on the client’s needs and long term goals.
ABA therapy can be conducted in various settings, including at home, in our clinic setting, at school, or in the community, depending on what is most beneficial for the individual.
*Some insurance plans may not cover school or community settings.*
Many insurance plans do cover ABA therapy, but it is important to check with your specific provider to understand the coverage details, including any requirements or limitations. Pacific Northwest Behavior will run an eligibility benefits check before services begin.
Progress is continuously monitored and measured using daily data collection and weekly analysis. Behavior technicians (BTs) and BCBAs track the individual’s progress toward specific goals and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Results vary depending on the individual, but many people see improvements in communication, social skills, self-care, and reduction in challenging behaviors. Intensity of treatment, consistency, and parental involvement often enhance outcomes. Progress reports are completed every six months for insurance reauthorization.
Yes, parent and caregiver involvement is a mandatory component of the services provided by Pacific Northwest behavior. Coaching with the BCBA will be provided to troubleshoot challenges as they arise, apply the client’s acquired skills to different settings, teach the parent/caregiver strategies for skill acquisition outside of therapy hours, and collaborate with other professionals who work with the client.
Our client and their family are our first priority in providing services. We recommend open and frequent communication with the BCBA regarding progress so that modifications can be made to better support the client.