Autism Care Provider Green & Red Flags
Navigating the next steps after your child receives an autism diagnosis can be challenging. While not every autistic person needs therapy, many parents may decide early intensive behavioral treatment is the right next step for their autistic child as it helps them grow during early developmental stages.
As this decision comes with a whole new world of different companies and care approaches to navigate, selecting an ABA provider can feel extremely challenging - but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some red and green flags to look out for during this process:
Red Flag: The ABA provider is unable or unwilling to explain what you can expect in regards to timeline. If this is the case, it may be beneficial to take the time while you’re on a waitlist to see what other ABA providers are options for you and your family.
Green Flag: The ABA provider openly shares information that helps you understand the process and timeline for receiving care. They guide you through the current steps, help you understand the process, communicate a timeline with you, and answer any questions you may have with certainty and empathy.
Red Flag: The ABA provider completes an assessment to measure your child’s current skill levels, but the assessment is followed up with being placed on a waitlist and no clear start date is given.
Green Flag: A quality ABA provider will give you a window of time that your child may be on a waitlist before even scheduling an assessment. They should communicate with you on a regular basis regarding your status. The assessment is then conducted as close to the beginning of services as possible to ensure they get an accurate picture of your child’s current skill level.
Red Flag: The ABA provider recommends 35-40 hours a week without any input from the family.
Green Flag: Hours are recommended based on a collaborative effort with the family, acknowledging what is developmentally appropriate and what will lead to the most progress. Every person is unique, and the amount of time they spend in ABA therapy should also be specific to what will help them meet their needs.
Red Flag: You don’t meet a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) until you’re about to start care, or even after you’ve started.
Green Flag: You meet and get to know your BCBA, or if you have a Qualified Behavioral Health Professional (QBHP) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), you are introduced to the BCBA that oversees the case. You have regular communication and interactions with your supervisor. They answer your questions when you have them.
Red Flag: The ABA provider writes goals for your child without your input. You’re unsure why some of the goals have been selected or don’t feel they are relevant.
Green Flag: A quality ABA provider will involve you in the selection and implementation of goals. Those goals will help increase your child’s quality of life and the well-being of your household.
Finding an ABA provider that truly cares about your child and family’s well-being should not be rare or difficult. It should be a place for your child to learn, grow, and discover their authentic self. When searching for care for your children, keep an eye out for these important red and green flags.
Learn more about our values and approach at Dashi Rivers at dashirivers.com.
