You Received a Diagnosis, Now What?
June 2025
Congratulations, you have jumped through the hoops of convincing doctors to take you seriously, got a referral to a specialist, sat on a long waitlist, and received the diagnosis that changed your life forever. After all this work, you are a little relieved, a little sad, and most of all, you are exhausted.
Now you are faced with moving forward and being told to seek ABA therapy for your child. NOW WHAT?
At first, you think great, but once you start doing research, you are once again overwhelmed and are left alone to figure out how to proceed. Where do I go for help? Who is a good provider? What will they do?
I have been in your shoes, and I have been in the field of ABA as a provider for over 15 years. Even for me, navigating the resources, supports, and services was daunting, to say the least. I am passionate about supporting autistic individuals and their families and want to share the information I have learned to help you!
How to find a provider:
Diagnosing Clinician: The first place to start when looking for a provider is to ask for a referral list from the provider from whom you received the diagnosis. Many diagnosing providers have lists of their recommendations. Of course, you need to verify insurance coverage if using private insurance.
Insurance Provider (If using insurance): Another option is to request a list of in-network providers from your insurance company. This can save you time doing endless research. You simply get a list and are able to call providers from there.
Web Search: You can always opt for this route. Simply plug in a web search for “ABA providers near me”. When doing this, make sure to verify if you are in-network.
Private Pay: You can always go this route. Psychology Today is a great resource for private pay providers. In addition to Psychology Today, word of mouth from other families/individuals can save you time and identify the best providers as well as the worst.
Ensure Quality Services:
Neuroaffirming Care: Neuroaffirming care is essential in ABA because it honors and respects each individual's diverse neurological profile, promoting a compassionate and empowering approach. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating behaviors or enforcing conformity, neuroaffirming care emphasizes understanding and accepting neurodiversity, supporting individuals' unique ways of experiencing and interacting with the world. This approach fosters self-esteem, autonomy, and well-being, ensuring that behavioral goals are aligned with the person's values and identity. Ultimately, neuroaffirming ABA creates a more inclusive and respectful environment that champions the dignity and natural variation of all individuals
Client-Centered Therapy: Client-centered care is vital in ABA because it prioritizes the individual’s preferences, goals, and values, ensuring that interventions are respectful, meaningful, and empowering. By actively involving clients and their families in decision-making, ABA practitioners can tailor strategies to meet the person’s unique needs and circumstances, fostering a sense of autonomy and collaboration. This approach not only enhances motivation and engagement but also promotes positive outcomes that are truly aligned with the individual's interests and quality of life. Ultimately, client-centered care helps create a respectful, ethical, and supportive environment where every person feels valued and understood.
Focus on Natural Environmental Teaching: Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is important in ABA because it promotes learning in real-life, everyday contexts, making skills more functional and applicable to the individual's daily routines. Unlike Discrete Trial Training (DTT), which often occurs in structured, adult-led settings, NET encourages spontaneous communication, social interaction, and generalization of skills across various environments and situations. This approach helps individuals develop more meaningful, practical skills that are more likely to be maintained and used independently outside of training sessions. By integrating learning into natural settings, NET supports meaningful development and enhances the individual's ability to navigate and succeed in their everyday life.
Questions to Ask Providers:
What is your approach to neurodivergence and client preferences?
How do you incorporate family input into treatment planning?
What experience do you have with Natural Environmental Teaching?
How is progress measured and communicated?
What support/training do you offer caregivers/parents?
Red Flags to Watch Out for in ABA Companies —
Vague or Hidden Information
They won’t clearly explain their methods, credentials, or how they plan to help your child.
Progress reports or data are absent or unclear.
Use of Punishment or Aversive Strategies
They rely on negative reinforcement, punishment, or anything that causes your child discomfort or fear.
They don’t prioritize positive, respectful approaches.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach
They treat every child the same, not tailoring therapy to your child's unique needs, strengths, and interests.
They skip thorough assessments or planning.
Staffing Concerns
High staff turnover or staff who lack proper training or certifications.
No supervision or ongoing training for the team working with your child.
Limited Family Involvement
They don’t include you or other caregivers in planning or training.
Little or no guidance on how you can support your child's progress at home.
Pushy or Rigid Attitudes
They push their approach without listening to your concerns or preferences.
Lack of flexibility to adjust goals or strategies.
Promises of Quick Fixes
They claim they can deliver rapid results or guarantees—behavior change takes time and is individual.
Beware of companies promising unrealistic outcomes.
Poor Communication
They don’t keep you updated on progress or setbacks.
They avoid discussing concerns or questions you have.
Focus on Numbers Over Your Child’s Well-Being
They prioritize data and routines over how your child feels or whether they are happy and comfortable.
Their methods seem rigid or impersonal.
Unclear Fees or Excessive Charges
Costs are hidden or suddenly increased without explanation.
They pressure you into expensive packages or services.
Remember, choosing the right ABA provider is an important step in supporting your child's growth and well-being. Trust yourself to ask questions, seek out providers who align with your values, and prioritize your child's comfort and happiness. You're not alone in this journey—there are compassionate, ethical professionals ready to partner with you to help your child thrive. Together, you can create a positive, respectful pathway toward growth and independence.