We're touring three ABA clinics next month for our 7-year-old. They all look the same on their websites - smiling kids, "individualized programs," "evidence-based."
For the folks who've been through this (parents or professionals): what actually separates a great clinic from a mediocre one? What would you ask on a tour that isn't answered by the brochure?
I'm a BCBA and I'd be delighted if every touring parent asked these:
1) How many clients does each BCBA carry? (10-14 is workable. If it's 20+, your child's program is being written by someone who barely sees them.)
2) How much BCBA supervision does each child get? You want a meaningful percentage of therapy hours - roughly 10% or more - with the BCBA physically present regularly, not reviewing notes from an office.
3) What's your RBT turnover like, and how are they trained beyond the 40-hour minimum? High turnover is the single most common thing that quietly wrecks progress.
4) How are parents involved? There should be scheduled parent training and an open-door policy for observing sessions. If you can't watch, walk away.
5) How do you choose goals? Listen for "socially significant," "family priorities," and "assent" - goals should make the child's life better, not just make them compliant and quiet.
6) Can I see how you share data? You should get graphs and plain-language progress reviews, not vibes.
7) What does discharge look like? A good clinic is working toward needing less of them, and can describe how they fade support and transition kids.
And the best test of all: ask to observe a real session for twenty minutes. The vibe of the room - are kids having fun, are staff warm, is anyone crying in a corner - tells you more than every question above combined.
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