During an ABA assessment, a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and their team will evaluate your child to determine the right intervention plan for them. The evaluation will include gathering information from both you and your child and using that data to create a custom care plan.
Learn about the ABA assessment process in more detail below.
What Happens at an ABA Evaluation Step-By-Step
Each assessment is a unique experience, but this is generally what happens during the ABA assessment process. If you choose Spectrum Behavioral Therapies, the ABA assessment can be scheduled within a week of insurance in-network confirmation.
Step 1: Data Gathering from Parents
A proper ABA assessment takes time because it involves significant data collection. The first step of the collection process is talking to you, the parents, or caregivers.
At Spectrum, we prioritize strong partnerships with parents. We aim to understand each family’s primary concerns and ensure they are addressed while supporting the child in reaching their developmental milestones.
Parent involvement is essential to a child’s progress, so we take time to learn about each child during the assessment process and continue that collaboration throughout treatment. Open, ongoing communication is key.
What does a BCBA look for? In our parent interviews, which are done over the phone or Zoom, we’ll ask about:
- Paperwork information
- Your child’s developmental history
- Your observation of your child’s behavior
- Your thoughts on what could cause maladaptive behaviors
- What a child likes and dislikes
- Current skill strengths and weaknesses
- Any concerns you have about your child
Development history may include when the child started speaking (if they have), potty training history, walking milestones, and more.
Step 2: Data Gathering from the Child
The next step is gathering data from your child. We schedule an in-home visit where we observe your child in their natural environment. If they are comfortable doing so, we will also talk with your child.
We conduct observations to gain a clearer understanding of how your child functions in their natural environment. During the assessment, we identify both strengths and areas of need so we can tailor the program to your child’s unique profile and specific needs.
Here’s how we learn more about your child through observation:
- Seeing your child in their natural environment: The team may ask to visit your home (if you didn’t meet there) to see how your child behaves in a comfortable environment. The team can learn what your child’s baseline behavior is and better understand the causes of maladaptive behaviors.
- Play-based activities: Play-based data gathering allows the team to understand your child without making them nervous. For example, does your child like toys set up in a specific way? Do they line up cars and get upset if a car is pushed out of the line?
- Skill assessment: The team may ask your child to complete multiple tasks to determine various skill development levels. These tasks can showcase your child’s social skills, motor skills, skills in following directions, and daily living skills.
However, this is all a glimpse into your child. We know that we need to spend more time with your child to fully understand them.
Step 3: Receiving the Results and Setting Up ABA Therapy
Once the assessment is complete, you will meet with the care team to discuss the results and the custom care plan created. Our team will explain the care plan and the level of commitment it would require from your family.
This is the time to ask more questions or share concerns.
How Long Does an ABA Assessment Take?
An ABA assessment can take from 8 to 12 hours, depending on how the assessment is conducted. This can be spread out over the course of a week or a month, with professionals reviewing documentation and writing reports between parent interviews and child observations.
What Is the Difference Between an Assessment and a Diagnosis?
The difference between an assessment and a diagnosis is that a diagnosis is determined by a doctor using the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). An assessment focuses on what treatment is needed after a diagnosis.
How Parents Can Prepare for the Assessment
Here’s how you can prepare for the assessment to ensure a smoother experience.
Put Together Paperwork
To make the assessment easier, parents should gather this specific information and paperwork beforehand.
- An official autism diagnosis report (if you have one)
- Medical history (birth details, vaccinations, treatment for other conditions, etc.)
- Insurance information
- Referral paperwork
- School reports
- Therapy history
Write Down Any Observations or Concerns About Your Child
The ABA therapist will ask you lots of questions about your child, so you’ll want to come with notable observations ready to share. It helps if you are prepared to talk about their main concerns (behavioral or skill deficit) and provide examples for each area.
Any and all observations are welcome.
You should also write down any concerns as well. For example, you may write down if your child struggles with speaking more than their peers struggle with it.
Talk to Your Child About the Process
Your child may have their own concerns about the assessment. Maybe they don’t like new environments or new people. Maybe they don’t want to answer questions about themselves.
Try explaining to them what is going to happen in an age-appropriate way. For example, you can say that all of you are going to a new doctor and they will ask questions. If your child is older, you can go into more depth if that’s what they want.
You can also try visiting the clinic ahead of time (if you are going to one) to help ease the transition or have your child’s favorite toys nearby for comfort.
Here’s How to Set Up an ABA Consultation for Your Child with Spectrum Behavioral Therapies
Contact Spectrum Behavioral Therapies to schedule an assessment appointment. We’ll treat your family with compassion and warmth. With your support, we’ll create a custom treatment plan for your child and ensure you’re part of every step.
