When you decide to start Applied Behavior Analysis services for your child, parents can often feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to take the first steps. One of the first steps in this therapy process is an ABA assessment. Understanding what happens during an assessment can help families feel more prepared and informed as they begin this journey.
What is an ABA Assessment?
An ABA assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that is conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The purpose of the assessment is to figure out your child’s strengths, interests, and individual needs so that an individual plan can be created. ABA assessments try to understand each child as an individual rather than following a set model. According to the CDC, having early intervention will greatly improve a child’s development, which leads to better results. Therapy becomes an important and profound step in your child’s success in life.
What Happens During the Assessment?
The assessment typically has several steps:
Parent or Caregiver Interview
The BCBA will spend ample time with the parents or caregiver to understand their child’s communication abilities, behaviors, daily routine, and developmental history. This step is especially important because parents know their kid best, and it helps the BCBA gain a grasp on what methods will be helpful for their therapy.
Direct Observation
The BCBA will then watch the child in various settings and activities. This could be playing, doing their daily routine, and watching their communication skills. This observation helps show your child’s strengths and areas that they can improve with support and effort. BCBAs may evaluate play, academic, and social interaction skills. Evaluating these skills will help therapists develop effective strategies.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Once the assessment is finished, BCBAs will create a personalized treatment plan. It will outline things like individualized goals, therapy hours, strategies for teaching, parent training recommendations, and ways to track progress. It will be reviewed by the family to ensure that it can work with the child’s schedule and the priorities for the family.
Families can help make this process smoother and more effective by:
- Gathering medical records
- Writing questions for the BCBA
- Being open about challenges or struggles
- Sharing goals for your child
ABA therapy for your child can feel like a huge step that is overwhelming. However, by understanding your child’s strengths, goals, and needs, it can create a personalized schedule for your child to succeed in life and grow independently.
