ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a type of behavioral therapy that uses positive reinforcement and patient-led learning to improve socially significant behaviors, foster independence, and reduce interfering behaviors. This type of therapy is most frequently used to help individuals with social or developmental disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum. Because it is highly adaptable and suitable for children, ABA therapy has become a popular part of any autism support plan.
Whether you are looking for an ABA clinic for yourself or your child, there are a few things to look for to ensure you are getting the services you need. The following are some questions to ask yourself when choosing an ABA clinic.
What services do you need?
While ABA therapy is suitable for all age groups and is effective at helping people with different kinds of developmental disabilities, it is expected that certain ABA clinics will specialize in certain areas and services.
For example, some ABA therapy clinics specialize in working with children, while others may work with teens or adults. Some clinics will only offer one-on-one ABA therapy, while others may offer group therapy or family therapy. Others still may only offer in-clinic services, while others may provide off-site and online services.
Think about the type of services you’d like to receive from your ideal ABA clinic and have these in mind when you contact a clinic for a consultation.
How far will you have to travel?
When searching for a clinic, the location is an important consideration. No matter how experienced and specialized they are, it can be challenging to fit in the recommended amount of ABA therapy sessions if the commute is long or difficult. In order to get a short list, be sure to search for your location when looking for nearby clinics. For example, if you live in San Diego, searching for “ABA clinics near me San Diego” will bring back much more relevant results than if you just put “ABA clinics near me.” San Diego residents looking for a specific type of ABA therapy should include this in their search results as well. If you are looking for an ABA clinic that specializes in autism support, simply search for “ABA for autism San Diego” to find clinics that focus on ABA for autism. San Diego clinics that do not offer ABA therapy for autism should be removed from your search results to make it easier for you to find the best clinic for you.
Do they offer remote sessions?
Of course, even if your perfect ABA clinic isn’t nearby, you can always see if they offer off-site or online sessions. Schedule flexibility can be great for busy families trying to squeeze sessions into an already packed schedule, for individuals who are more receptive to therapy in a familiar environment or those who simply enjoy the convenience of online therapy. Some clinics even offer a combination of several methods, so discuss the available options with your preferred clinic.