Behavior Theraphy Programs are aimed at improving socially-significant behavior through application of specific psychological principles. Behavior programs are constructed according to the needs of the individual involved and best achieve results when practiced consistently. Parents, family members, teachers and caregivers should all be trained in these techniques.
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Locate a service provider
Questions To Ask You Provider:
- What are your credentials? What degrees and/or certifications do you have?
- What experience do you have working with individuals on the autism spectrum?
- How long have you been a provider of this type of therapy?
- Do you have references I can contact?
- How will you determine that my child is a good candidate for this type of therapy?
- Is this therapy one-on-one or is it a group session?
- If this is a group session, how much one-on-one attention will my child get?
- How do you handle difficult behaviors?
- How often and how long are the sessions?
- How much does a session cost?
- Are there scholarships available? Do you offer a payment plan?
- Will I be present during the therapy? Is there a place for me to observe?
- Can you describe a typical session?
- What is the setting like? Will my child be at a table most of the time or will therapy take place in a more natural environment?
- How will results be measured? Will we receive written reports and/or updates?
- What is our family’s role in this process? What training will we get so we can implement strategies at home?
- How will you take into account my child’s IEP (individualized education plan) or IFSP (individualized Family Service Plan)?
Things To Keep In Mind:
- Once you do choose a therapist, does your child enjoy going and does he/she have a good rapport with the therapist?
- If your child is in a program with other children, are his/her goals individualized according to their individual developmental level or is it identical to therapy provided to others in his group/class?
- Does the therapist seem to like and look forward to working with your child? 2,3,4
- Does your child look forward to working with this therapist?
1 Revolutionhealth: Your home for health and balance, “Behavioral Training and Management for Autism,” (7 June 2006). http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/mental-behavioral-health/autism/behavioral-therapy/ (24 November 2008)
2 Cambridge Center For Behavioral Studies, “Autism and ABA,” n.d. http://www.behavior.org/autism/ (19 November 2008)
3 The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP), “Glossary of Terms,” n.d. http://www.theautismprogram.org/glossaryofterms.asp (20 November 2008)
4 About.com:Autism, “Get the Best Behavioral Therapy for Your Child with Autism.” (5 March 2008). http://autism.about.com/od/alllaboutaba/ss/abachoice.htm (18 December 2008)