TIPS FOR Choosing an ABA Therapy Center
Use this checklist to help you evaluate which ABA Therapy Center is best for your child.
At Beyond The Spectrum (BTS) ABA Therapy, we uphold a standard of excellence that ensures every
aspect of our therapy services is tailored to meet your child’s unique needs and provide the highest
quality care. All of the qualities outlined in this checklist reflect the comprehensive, personalized, and
compassionate approach we bring to every therapy session.
Checklist for Evaluating ABA Therapy Centers
Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy YES/NO |
Other ABA Therapy Centers YES/NO |
|
| Does the center offer the ability to watch therapy in real-time (via video or observation)? | ||
| If your child has had a history of trauma, does the center create a trauma-informed care plan that helps address past experiences and sensitivities? | ||
| Does the center utilize QBS Safety Training to manage and mitigate potential behavioral escalations? | ||
| Does the center follow a clear and consistent emergency safety plan for staff and children, including regular fire drills and other safety drills? | ||
| Does the center require the following for therapy technicians? | ||
| First Aid/CPR certification
|
||
|
Background check
|
||
|
Drug screening
|
||
| Is there a structured full-time training period for technicians before they are approved to work with children? | ||
| Does the center provide ongoing professional development and training for its staff, including ABA education, skill development, and identifying child-specific needs? | ||
| Does the center’s therapy plan include: | ||
| A balance of focused, structured 1:1 ABA therapy AND | ||
| Structured group/social opportunities (to allow for learning in various environments)? | ||
| Does the center use interactive and engaging methods to teach new skills in a fun, inviting environment that doesn’t feel like a doctor’s office? | ||
| Does the center schedule regular meetings with the child’s BCBA Supervisor to: | ||
| Help manage problem behaviors at home | ||
| Implement routines that ease parents’ daily struggles | ||
| Establish functional communication between the parent and the child? | ||
| Does the center offer parent training and provide resources or strategies to implement at home? | ||
| Is the therapy program insurance-approved and does it align with your child’s therapy plan (e.g., some centers may only provide limited hours based on insurance availability)? | ||
| Does the center allow collaboration with other therapists (such as speech and/or occupational therapists) to provide comprehensive services at the center? | ||
| Does the center organize community outings (e.g., to the park, aquarium, fire department) with parents, therapists, and BCBAs to provide real-world learning experiences? | ||
| Is the center easily accessible with convenient freeway access and parking? | ||
| Does the center have a dedicated team for fast approval turnaround times and timely answers to questions? | ||
| Does the center work with children across all levels of need (not just full-time children)? Some centers may only accept children with more intensive needs, regardless of the child’s individual requirements. | ||
| Is the center backed by a proven care model with national recognition and a well-established network? | ||
|
Use this checklist to compare Beyond The Spectrum (BTS) ABA Therapy to other autism therapy centers.
At BTS, we hold ourselves to a higher standard, ensuring each element of our therapy services is designed to foster long-term growth, engagement, and overall well-being for every child. |
Compare ABA Autism Therapy
Use this checklist to compare Beyond The Spectrum (BTS) ABA Therapy to other autism therapy centers.
At BTS, we hold ourselves to a higher standard, ensuring each element of our therapy services is designed to foster long-term growth, engagement, and overall well-being for every child.
Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy YES/NO |
Other ABA Therapy Centers YES/NO |
|
| Does the BCBA Supervisor have a small caseload that allows for more focused supervision of your child’s therapy? | ||
| At BTS, our BCBAs have a full-time caseload of no more than 12 children. Other centers may have BCBAs managing 20-30 children—ask about their caseload size. | ||
| We work with children from age 18 months to 18 years. At some centers, children may age out at age 6. Does the center serve children of all ages? | ||
| Does the center rotate technicians regularly during therapy sessions (e.g., sessions with the same technician should not exceed 2 hours)? Regular technician rotations can: | ||
| Improve your child’s engagement in therapy, leading to better learning outcomes. | ||
| Reinforce skills by interacting with various people (therapists, peers, family members). | ||
| Does the center provide multiple therapy options such as: | ||
| In-center therapy? | ||
| In-home therapy? | ||
| School shadowing? | ||
| Does the center offer these options to fit your child’s specific needs? |
By following these high standards, Beyond The Spectrum (BTS) ABA Therapy ensures that every aspect of therapy is catered to your child’s unique needs, enabling them to grow, thrive, and succeed. Let us partner with you to help your child reach their full potential.