If you are not happy with your ABA provider or are just starting to explore ABA, let me tell you why an independent BCBA may actually be better.

High turn over, new staff, and company rules or protocols make ABA so difficult. There are options out there. Time is precious, make it count with an experienced and independent BCBA!

Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) are typically used when parents do not agree with the results of the public school districts’ evaluations - think of it as a second opinion that can be paid for by the school district (if the proper protocol is followed) with a professional you choose as long as they have the proper certification or credential to complete the specific assessment. This can include Psycho Educational Assessments, Assistive Technology Assessments, Speech and Language Assessments, Motor/Fine Motor Assessments, and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).

It can be a fine line when working with different providers. OT and ABA may be working on skills related to daily living. Speech and ABA may be working on increasing communication and social skills. It can be difficult to understand who is responsible for what. 

This often leads to finger pointing between the providers and then frustration for you since no one will work on it. When some insurance companies see “autism” on the chart, they assume ABA is the best way to work on it even if another provider may actually have better training in that specific area. To prevent confusion for your child, it is important for the providers to work on things in a similar way but having one discipline responsible for the goal is important so there is one provider that is leading the goal.  If you are getting different answers from different providers, bring up the idea of a team meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

While not a hard rule, over time working in schools and with other providers, these are typically the lines I keep in mind. Ultimately, ABA, Speech, OT, school, etc should all be working with you and answering your questions as well as open to collaborating with each other in the best interest of your child.