Once you choose an ABA provider, the first few weeks are usually focused on getting to know your child and family before treatment begins. You’ll typically start with an intake process, which may include completing paperwork, sharing medical and developmental history, providing insurance information, and answering questions about your child’s needs and your family’s priorities. From there, you’ll move into the clinical assessment, where the BCBA gathers more detailed information about your child’s strengths, current skills, areas where support may be helpful, and the goals that could make the biggest difference in everyday life.
It can feel like a lot of questions and paperwork at first, but there’s a reason for it: this information helps the clinical team understand your child as an individual and begin developing a treatment plan that actually fits them.
An ABA assessment is not a test your child passes or fails. It is a way for the clinical team to learn more about your child and begin building a treatment plan around their individual needs. Your provider may do these during the appointment:
