Frequently Asked Questions

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ABA Therapy

What is ABA?

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis is an individualized therapy approach that works to understand and improve behaviors that are important for each client.

NET – Natural Environment Teaching is a child led teaching opportunity to learn from their natural environment.

• A child may be playing with cars and the adult is introducing colors, different shapes, sizes, etc. The child may be learning communication and social skills such as how to take turns, share, label items, or how to request items.

DTT – Discrete Trial Teaching is a more structured teaching opportunity for clients to learn new skills. DTT breaks skills into smaller, teachable skills.

• If working on imitation skills, this can look like the adult saying “copy me” while touching their own ears. The child should copy the action of touching their ears. Once they complete the action, they would receive a reinforcer (ex: verbal praise, preferred edible, preferred item, etc.). The adult may next say “try this” while modeling the action of clapping their hands. Once the child copies the action of clapping their hands, they receive a reinforcer.

Examples of reinforcers may include:

Tickles, candy, bubbles, spinning on a chair, legos, listening to music, etc.

These are individualized and vary depending on the learner.

Who provides services?

What is a BCBA?

• Graduate-level professional that holds a national certification with the BACB. BCBAs are responsible for the assessment, development, and oversight of programming, supervision of RBTs, and provide support to caregivers and clients.

What is an RBT?

• An RBT holds a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis with the BACB. Technicians practice under ongoing direct supervision of a BCBA. RBTs are the direct support staff for client therapy.

How many hours can I expect my child to be in therapy?

Hours of service will vary for each client. After an assessment is conducted by a BCBA, the clinical recommendation will be provided and submitted to your insurance provider. Specifics about scheduling will be discussed before the onset of treatment. Research suggests between 20-40 hours of comprehensive ABA therapy per week for best outcomes. In addition to direct therapy, caregiver training will also be scheduled to review outcomes, discuss any modifications, and discuss strategies used to help the client generalize their skills to home and community settings.*

More information can be found at “Clarifications ASD Practice Guidelines 2nd ed” and “ABA Guidelines for ASD”

*Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). (2019). Clarifications Regarding Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Funders and Managers (2nd ed.).

What does an ABA session look like?

When your child first starts ABA, providers will begin the process of getting to know their specific interests. We will begin the process of “pairing” with your child and allow the child to get comfortable in the new environment.

• Pairing is done to build rapport, trust, and develop instructional control. It is an important aspect in learning your child’s favorite toys, activities, and other preferences.

At KidsChoice, your child will work with different therapists throughout the day. Individual sessions range from 1 to 3 hours. This is structured so your child can practice skills with different people. Data for individual programs is collected on a tablet and monitored by a BCBA.

What behaviors are addressed?

Behaviors are any activity that a person does. This does not only include “bad” behaviors. ABA targets a wide range of behaviors including communication, play skills, motor skills, self-care, social skills, adaptive skills.

BCBA’s are held to high ethical standards when it comes to the planning and consent of services they provide to clients. The ethical code sections 2.0 and 4.0 outlines in detail standards that must be adhered to. A BCBA will assess your child’s skills as well as discuss the goals your family has. Programs must be individualized and approved by clients, caregivers, and insurance companies prior to starting services. Any significant changes to treatment must be approved in advance.*

*Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2014). Professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts. Littleton, CO: Author. [www.bacb.com/ethics/]

What if my child sees a different provider and/or attends school?

With written consent, KidsChoice can coordinate with outside services including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, School Faculty, and any other related providers. We strive to make your child’s learning a collaborative effort to promote the best outcomes.

How do I get started?

Step 1: Make sure that your child’s diagnostic paperwork is up to date within the past 2 years.

Step 2: Email a copy of your child’s diagnostic paperwork to contact@kidschoicetherapy.org or fax it to 405-857-8489.

Step 3: Call us at 405-857-8280 to fill out the KidsChoice Intake Form. Once completed, Patient Care Supervisor will work with you to schedule your child’s ABA Assessment.

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Learn more about Applied Behavior Analysis by checking out the ABA Fact Sheet below!