5 Red Flags in ABA Services That Parents Need to Watch For

Applied Behavior Analysis can help a lot—if done well. But not all ABA providers are equal. Here are warning signs that a service may not be delivering quality care:

1. Lack of qualified supervision

• If the program is mostly run by unlicensed or under-trained staff without frequent oversight by a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), quality may suffer.
• Ask: How often does a BCBA review data and adjust plans?

2. No individualized assessment or goals

• Beware if you get one‐size‐fits‐all methods, or no functional behavior assessment (FBA) up front. Your child’s treatment plan should be personalized and based on real data.
• Ask for copies of assessments, goal-setting meetings, and how progress will be measured.

3. Poor transparency or data tracking

• Are they sharing session notes, progress reports, or data you can understand? If progress is vague (“child is doing fine”) instead of specific (“increased eye contact from 2 to 10 times per session”), that’s a red flag.
• Also, if they avoid answering your questions or hide data—this isn’t a good sign.

4. Over-reliance on punishment or aversive methods

• Positive reinforcement is a core tenet of modern ABA. If you notice frequent punishments, yelling, physical aversives, or methods that seem harsh, trust your instincts.
• Always ask: What techniques do you use? How do you handle challenging behaviors?

5. Inflexibility or lack of family involvement

• ABA works best when families are part of the plan. If the provider excludes you from setting goals, ignores your input, or has rigid schedules with no adjustments, that can be hurtful.
• Also, goals should be meaningful for your family’s daily life—not just clinic items.

Why These Red Flags Matter

Because ABA is powerful: when done well, it builds skills, confidence, independence. When done poorly, it can waste time, money, and can harm trust and development. You deserve services that respect your child and your family.

How ABA Navigator Can Help

Finding a provider you trust starts with good tools. ABA Navigator helps families explore & compare ABA service providers in their area. You can filter by therapy type, location, insurance, and more. 

If you want to see trusted ABA providers right now, visit ABA Navigator Providers.

FAQs

How do I verify a BCBA’s credentials?

Check their Board Certified Behavior Analyst status (through BACB or relevant certifying body), ask for license number, verify where they did training. Don’t hesitate to request documentation.

What questions should I ask during an ABA assessment?

Some important ones: What methods will you use? How often will goals be reviewed? What data will we get? How are challenging behaviors addressed? What is parent/caregiver involvement?

Can I change ABA providers if something feels off?

Yes. It’s your right. Sometimes switching providers makes sense if trust is broken, your child isn’t progressing, or if red flags persist. Better to find a good fit early than stay in a bad situation.

Sources:

• https://www.understood.org/en/articles/functional-behavioral-assessment-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9458805/
• https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/2023/12/future-of-applied-behavior-analysis-aba-new-research-areas-and-findings/
• https://childmind.org/article/know-getting-good-aba/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7265021/