Key Points:
- Not all ABA providers are the same—asking the right questions can help you find the best fit for your child’s needs.
- Parents should inquire about staff qualifications, treatment customization, progress measurement, and parent involvement.
- Choosing an ABA therapy provider in Maryland like Storybook means building a collaborative, transparent relationship from the start.
Choosing an ABA therapy provider for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re seeking ABA therapy in Maryland, you’ve probably realized that options can vary widely—from service quality and therapist experience to communication style and treatment models.
As ABA therapy providers in Maryland, we at Storybook have walked countless families through this decision process. We know it can feel overwhelming, especially when everything is unfamiliar. The good news? The right questions can shine a light on what truly matters.
Below is a guide to the most important questions every parent should ask before choosing an ABA therapy provider—and why each one matters.
1. Who will be working with my child, and what are their qualifications?
Before you look at hours or insurance coverage, start with the people. ABA therapy is only as effective as the professionals delivering it.
Ask about:
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) credentials: Are they certified? How many years of experience do they have with children similar to yours?
- RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians): Who will work directly with your child most often? How are RBTs supervised?
- Training: How often do team members receive continuing education or autism-specific training?
Having a certified BCBA overseeing care isn’t just a box to check—it’s about ensuring your child’s program is being designed and adjusted by someone with deep clinical knowledge. And the RBT who sees your child day-to-day should have reliable, ongoing support to deliver high-quality sessions.
2. Is the treatment plan individualized to my child’s needs?
Autism exists on a spectrum, and so should the therapy. One-size-fits-all approaches don’t cut it.
Ask:
- Will you conduct a functional behavior assessment (FBA) before starting services?
- How are goals selected, and how often are they reviewed or changed?
- Can you give an example of how a plan has been adapted based on a child’s progress?
At Storybook, we believe every child deserves a plan tailored to their unique personality, needs, and learning style. This starts with listening to parents and observing the child closely, then building out goals across communication, self-care, behavior regulation, and more.
3. How is progress measured and communicated?
Progress isn’t always fast or linear—and you’ll want a provider who knows how to track it properly and share it clearly with you.
Ask:
- How do you collect and analyze data?
- How often will I receive updates or attend meetings?
- What happens if my child isn’t making progress?
You should never feel in the dark about what’s happening in your child’s sessions. Look for a provider that offers frequent, plain-language progress updates—whether weekly check-ins or monthly data reviews—and adjusts the treatment plan when needed.
4. What does parent involvement look like?
Parent participation isn’t just encouraged in high-quality ABA—it’s essential. You’re with your child more than anyone else, and your input drives success beyond therapy sessions.
Ask:
- Will I be trained in ABA strategies?
- Can I attend sessions or observe?
- What role do I play in goal-setting?
Some providers, like us at Storybook, incorporate parent coaching into every plan. That means we’ll show you how to handle tricky behaviors at home, reinforce skills, and celebrate progress together. A team approach leads to better outcomes—and more confidence for you as a parent.
5. What settings are therapy services provided in?
ABA therapy can be delivered in a clinic, at home, in the community, or via telehealth. Each has its strengths, depending on your child’s needs.
Ask:
- Do you offer in-home, clinic-based, or hybrid services?
- How do you decide which setting is most appropriate?
- Can services shift over time if our needs change?
Some children thrive in a structured clinic environment. Others need support in their natural spaces—like their home, daycare, or playground. Flexibility is key, and it’s worth asking early on how adaptable the program is.
6. How does the provider handle challenging behaviors?
This is an important question that’s often overlooked in the early search. Challenging behaviors—from aggression to elopement to self-injury—require specific training, patience, and ethical oversight.
Ask:
- How do you assess and respond to problem behaviors?
- Do you use reinforcement-based strategies rather than punishment?
- Can you describe a case where you successfully reduced a difficult behavior?
Ethical ABA should always prioritize dignity, consent, and positive reinforcement. Providers should never use harsh or outdated methods. At Storybook, we address behavior with compassion, structure, and a clear understanding of what’s motivating it.
7. How long is a typical course of therapy, and what does it look like over time?
Parents often want to know how long their child will need ABA—and that’s a fair question, even if the answer depends on many factors.
Ask:
- What’s the typical frequency and duration of services?
- Do you provide ongoing re-evaluations?
- What does “graduation” from therapy look like?
Effective providers won’t promise a fixed timeline—but they will help you understand the typical progression, how mastery is determined, and what transition planning looks like when your child is ready for less intensive support.
8. Do you accept my insurance and handle authorizations?
The financial aspect of ABA therapy can be a major hurdle, especially when dealing with insurance processes. A good provider will guide you through it.
Ask:
- Are you in-network with my insurance provider?
- Do you help with authorizations and claims?
- Will I know in advance about any out-of-pocket costs?
Transparency matters. At Storybook, we work with families to handle the paperwork and authorizations, so you can stay focused on your child—not chasing down claims.
9. Can I speak with other parents or read testimonials?
There’s nothing like hearing from another parent who’s walked the same road. Personal experiences can often speak louder than credentials alone.
Ask:
- Do you have client references or testimonials I can read?
- Can I speak with a current or past client about their experience?
While privacy laws may limit direct contact, many ABA providers in Maryland—including us—offer anonymous testimonials or can connect you with families willing to share.
10. What sets your ABA therapy apart?
This final question helps you get a feel for a provider’s culture, approach, and values. It’s not about who has the most features—it’s about who fits best with your family.
Ask:
- What makes your approach different?
- What do families usually say they appreciate most about working with you?
- How do you handle concerns if they arise?
At Storybook, families tell us they value our warmth, transparency, and commitment to collaboration. We don’t treat ABA as a series of checklists—we treat it as a relationship, where your child is more than a diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ABA therapy provider isn’t just about checking credentials—it’s about asking the deeper questions that matter to your child’s future. You deserve to feel informed, supported, and confident in your decision.
If you’re seeking ABA therapy in Maryland, we invite you to start that conversation with us. At Storybook, we’re here to listen, explain, and help you build the right foundation for your child’s growth.
Get in touch today to learn how our ABA therapy in Maryland can help your child develop real-life skills, improve behavior, and thrive in the ways that matter most.
