02/25/2026
A message to Parents...
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is a very effective and beneficial approach proven by scientific results in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. It must be administered properly for these results. For this reason we give parents these suggestions to look at when considering a program. We hope this is helpful by way of Q&A. We welcome Parents to Share this information as well feel it accurately represents things to look for in a quality ABA Program.
1. Is the center billing my insurance for Individual ABA when my child is often in a group setting that is attended with only one or two Registered Behavior Technician(s)? ABA therapy has two CPT codes which provides for Individual and Group. The Individual code is the therapeutic code and requires the child to have one on one services with a Registered Behavior Technician working on goals in your child's unique plan. If you regularly feel that your child's RBT is being shared by another child or group it could mean that the agency is providing Group services and billing your insurance for Individual ABA Services. Each child should have their RBT uniquely working with them while at therapy. Loud busy programs that seem like a daycare vs quiet Learning spaces would also be an indicator. There are times on breaks or for music they may be together but they should still have their own RBT and this should be far less time than their individual ABA working session.
2. Do I know my child's Board Certified Behavior Analyst really well? ABA done properly requires a very "Birds Eye" view of behaviors and skills. Due to the need agencies are placing too many children under the care of a single BCBA. If you do not have the opportunity to know your Child's Board Certified Behavior Analyst well then perhaps you should ask the reason why. Also goals and plans presented with errors and grammatical mistakes where a plan has been edited from another child's plan is a huge red flag that too many children are being processed by the agency under a single BCBA. Also does my child's plan contain things that I feel do not fit them particularly well? Red Flag.
Was my plan written by my BCBA? Agencies under review may have allowed RBTs not approved as a Student Analyst to write plans and this is NOT acceptable. Students in a Masters Program reach a level where they are allowed to assist with plans under close supervision of a qualified training BCBA. RBTs below that level should not write or amend plans.
3. Do I receive Parent Education? You should be offered Parent Education by your child's Board Certified Behavior Analyst. This is an insurance covered service and required component of ABA in order to remain in services. If you have not been given an opportunity to schedule regular Parent Education perhaps you should ask why.
4. Do I get to see the time keeping each day that is recorded for my child's session? Parents should sign their child in and out on an official timekeeping system or document so that they are certain the number of ABA units of time that are being filed appropriately to their insurer. If you have been attending an agency that does not place an importance on this you might ask why.
5. Is my insurance being filed correctly for the person who sees my child? Most of the time units are filed on behalf of the Registered Behavior Technician. Sometimes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst sees your child as well but this is likely less than the RBT. Parents should make sure their insurance is filed correctly and that the rate for the BCBA isn't being charged for units where their child was seen by the RBT for the one on one session. Just having the BCBA in the building does not give adequate reasoning for filing the BCBA rate of service. The BCBA should be giving your child undivided attention in services for the BCBA rate to be filed.
6. Is my child's therapist a Registered Behavior Technician? All persons should be found on the BACB.com website. If your child's worker is not found on this site you should ask why. This is the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
7. Does my child's RBT receive the required Supervision by a BCBA? Your child's RBT should have at least one hour of Supervised Time by the BCBA for every 20 hours they work with your child. Parents might ask their RBT when the last time they had direct supervision or ask when the supervision times occurred. If your child attends regularly and you have not been told about it "being a supervision day" you should ask why. This should be Individual one on one supervision. Not group.
We hope this is helpful as Parents navigate the journey and be confident that your program is sound in their practices. Progress Therapy Center follows sound ABA Guidelines set by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board and have a few openings at this time.
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