A week-by-week list of what to ask, what to look for, and what to keep, so you can feel more steady in the first month.
Starting ABA brings a lot of new people, new words and new paperwork at once. Use this list at
your own pace. Check things off as you go. Your checkmarks are saved in this browser only, and
nothing is sent to us.
You are still choosing a provider? Start with
how to choose an ABA provider. This checklist
is general information, not medical advice. Your child's care team makes the clinical
decisions, and you are part of that team.
0 of 35 done
First 30 days of ABA checklist (abanavigator.com)
Before the first session
Get your paperwork, coverage and questions in order.
Week 1
Getting to know each other.
Weeks 2 to 3
The assessment finishes and the treatment plan takes shape.
Week 4
Take stock and set up regular check-ins.
Red flags worth raising
Any one of these is a reason to ask questions, not proof of a bad
provider. If your questions are brushed aside, get a second opinion or consider
other providers.
Recommends a number of hours before assessing your child.
Promises a specific outcome or a cure.
Cannot or will not name the supervising BCBA, or is vague about who is in the room.
Does not let you observe or ask questions.
Treats your child's distress or refusal as something to push through, rather than information to respond to.
Goals do not reflect your priorities, or are not specific enough to measure.
You rarely or never see data, and cannot get a clear answer when you ask for it.
There is no parent training, or you are not invited to take part.
Billing or authorization does not match the care you see your child receive.
Pressure to sign or commit quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Where are my checkmarks saved?
Only in your own browser, on your own device. Nothing is sent to ABA Navigator. If you clear your browser data or use a different device, the checkmarks will not follow you, so use Print if you want a copy.
What should I expect to see in the first month?
Usually assessment, getting to know your child, building a relationship between your child and the team, and a written treatment plan. Early data is often a baseline, meaning a record of where your child is starting. Progress is rarely a straight line, and no one can promise an outcome, so ask the BCBA what they expect to measure and when you will see it.
Can I watch sessions?
Ask. Many providers welcome parents observing, in person or by video, and some set a few ground rules. A provider who never lets you see the work is worth asking questions about.
What if my child is upset about going?
Tell the BCBA right away and ask what the plan is. Distress is useful information. A good team slows down, adjusts, and explains what it is changing. If your concerns are brushed aside, that is a reason to ask for a meeting or consider other providers.
Is this medical advice?
No. This checklist is general information to help you ask good questions. Your child's care team makes clinical decisions, and you are an important part of that team.
Ready to talk to a provider?
Not sure the current provider is the right fit, or still searching? Compare providers by location, insurance and services.
