Choosing an ABA provider is a big decision, and it should be!

As a parent, you deserve more than just availability or a quick start date. You deserve a provider that listens, adapts, collaborates, and sees your child as a whole person, not just a behavior plan. Whether you’re just starting your search or reevaluating your current services, the questions below are designed to help you dig deeper and advocate confidently.

1. How do you individualize care for each child – beyond adjusting goals?

Why ask this: True individualization goes beyond checklists. Ask how they get to know your child’s strengths, communication style, and what lights them up , and how that shapes their approach.

Follow-ups:

• Do BCBAs observe sessions regularly and adjust in real time?

• Are your programs built around child-led interests or pre-set templates?

2. What does collaboration with families look like – in practice, not just in policy?

Why ask this: Family involvement shouldn’t be an afterthought. You deserve a seat at the table, not just occasional updates.

Follow-ups:

• How are parent priorities factored into treatment planning?

• What does your parent training or coaching actually involve?

3. How do you train, support, and retain your therapists?

Why ask this: Your child will spend the most time with their RBT. You want to know they’re not only well-trained, but also well-supported and valued.

Follow-ups:

• How often do BCBAs observe sessions or provide feedback?

• What does ongoing training look like beyond initial certification?

4. What frameworks guide your approach to behavior – and are they trauma-informed or neurodiversity-affirming?

Why ask this: You want to know that interventions are compassionate, not compliance-driven. The language they use can tell you a lot.

Follow-ups:

• How do you ensure dignity and autonomy in your behavior plans?

• What’s your stance on masking, reinforcement, and natural consequences?

5. How do you determine the best setting for therapy — home, center, or community?

Why ask this: Each setting has strengths, but the right provider will consider your family’s unique needs.

Follow-ups:

• Can we switch settings if our needs change?

• How do you ensure generalization across environments?

6. What does progress look like – and how often do we evaluate it together?

Why ask this: Data matters, but so does how it’s used. You should feel looped in, not left out.

Follow-ups:

• Will we get regular progress updates in plain language?

• How do you track social-emotional progress or quality of life, not just behaviors?

7. How do you handle transitions – into care, across teams, or when it’s time to fade out services?

Why ask this: Transitions are often overlooked, but they deeply impact your child. A thoughtful provider has a plan before you ask.

Follow-ups:

• What happens if we need to pause or change our schedule?

• How do you help prepare a child to successfully “graduate” from services?

8. What makes your approach different, and how do you stay accountable to families?

Why ask this: This is a great catch-all question to see what the provider values and how they reflect on their own practices.

Follow-ups:

• Do you conduct satisfaction surveys or family feedback sessions?

• Are there clear channels for sharing concerns or requesting changes?

Final Thoughts

You deserve an ABA provider who respects your insight as a parent or caregiver, values your child as an individual, and brings transparency and care to every step of the process.

At Spectrum of Hope, we’re here to answer these questions, and any others you might have with honesty, warmth, and a commitment to doing what’s right for your child and family.

Want to talk with a member of our team? We’re happy to walk you through what compassionate, personalized ABA care can look like. 

About the Author:

Karley Marsden is the VP of Marketing and Business Development at Spectrum of Hope, where she’s dedicated to helping families find clarity, confidence, and connection on their autism journey. With 20 years of experience in behavioral health and marketing, Karley blends strategy with heart to ensure families feel seen, supported, and empowered.