Who Are You, And Why Are You In My House?: Interviewing Your ABA Provider

ABA therapy at home raises all kinds of anxieties. Families fret over cleaning up messes, dressing for company, broken toys or windows, dishes, dust, food splatters, and sensory toys scattered over the floor. They worry, who is this person coming over? Will I be judged? Will they understand my child?

Rest assured, your BCBA is just as anxious coming over for the first time. We worry about making sure we can get you what you need, about being the best provider we can be for your family, about making sure everyone is comfortable (including us!) We also worry about the impression we’ll leave on you; will you think I’m a knowledgeable, trustworthy clinician who’s there to help you, or will you think I’m an awkward academic with nerves like wet noodles? 

Past the small talk and trying to catch the “vibe” of the visiting BCBA, it’s appropriate and important to interview them! We are working for you. You have the right and the space to make sure we’re the employee you want.

Here are some ideas of questions to ask your BCBA on their first visit:

• Where did you complete your Master’s degree? 

• How long have you been working with behavior? 

• How long have you been an analyst?

• Do you have any specialties? Are there any behaviors you are particularly skilled at addressing?

• How often will you be coming over?

• How long do you think sessions will be?

• What do I have to do during session?

• Is there anything I should not do during session?

• What are you looking for in your assessment ?

• Will my child have an RBT? If so, how many?

• What is your cancellation policy? For us, and for the therapists?

Your analyst will be asking you questions too! This is called caregiver interviewing, and it is an important part of the assessment process. They will observe the natural routines of your child and your home, ask questions, take notes, and overall get to know your family.

Starting services at home can be awkward. We get it. But we go where behavior happens, and our whole purpose is to help! You can ask us anything you like. 

Well, for the most part. Very few of us will have answers to questions about the Earth’s orbit or the number of licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. But about behavior and behavior therapy, we got you!