Choosing who will work with your child is a big decision, and it’s normal to feel unsure about how to compare one provider to another. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert in ABA to make a confident choice — you just need to know the right questions to ask.
This guide walks you through what quality ABA care looks like and the questions worth asking any provider you’re considering. A trustworthy provider will welcome these questions, not dodge them. Think of this as a checklist you can bring to any conversation, so you can choose the right fit for your family.
This is the first and most important box to check.
ABA programs should be designed and overseen by a BCBA — a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who holds at least a master’s degree and national certification. The day-to-day, one-on-one sessions are often delivered by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who completes national training and certification and works under the supervision of a certified behavior analyst. Both roles matter, so it’s fair to ask who fills each one.
In Maryland, there’s an extra layer of oversight for the analysts who lead care: behavior analysts are generally required to be licensed by the state (a Licensed Behavior Analyst, or LBA) through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, in addition to their BCBA certification. You can check these credentials yourself — certifications like the BCBA and RBT through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and a behavior analyst’s Maryland license through the state board.
Questions to ask:
No two autistic children are the same, so no two plans should be identical. Quality care starts with a thorough assessment and builds goals around your child’s specific strengths, needs, and your family’s priorities.
Be a little cautious of any provider who seems to offer the exact same program to everyone. Good ABA is individualized, and it changes over time as your child grows.
Questions to ask:
In recent years, there’s been a growing emphasis across the ABA field on care that follows the child’s lead and prioritizes their comfort — an approach often called assent-based, meaning the team pays attention to a child’s cues and doesn’t force participation. Because this is an area the field has increasingly focused on, it’s a fair thing to ask any provider about.
How a provider answers questions about difficult moments tells you a lot about their values.
Questions to ask:
You know your child better than anyone, and the best providers treat you as a teammate. Look for a provider who keeps you informed, welcomes your input, and teaches you simple strategies to use at home so progress carries into everyday life.
Questions to ask:
Therapy has to fit your real life, so it helps to sort out the logistics early — where sessions happen, when, and for how long.
A quick note on hours: there’s no one-size-fits-all number. The right amount of therapy is based on an assessment and what’s clinically appropriate for your child, and a good provider will explain their recommendation clearly rather than handing you a fixed figure.
It’s also fair to ask who will be working with your child over time. Consistency matters to kids, and a good provider can explain how they keep your child’s team steady — and how they handle it when changes do happen.
Questions to ask:
Money is a fair and important question, and a good provider is upfront about it. Many families in Maryland have insurance coverage for ABA, but plans vary — so look for a provider who will help you understand your benefits before you commit, with no surprises down the road.
Questions to ask:
Credentials and plans matter, but so does trust. After a conversation with a provider, ask yourself: Did they listen? Did they answer my questions honestly? Did they treat me and my child with respect?
One honest sign of a trustworthy provider: they won’t promise to “cure” autism or guarantee specific results. Real professionals talk about supporting your child’s growth, not miracles. If something feels off, or if you feel pressured or rushed, it’s okay to keep looking.
Bring these to any provider you’re considering:
If it’s helpful to see how one provider answers these questions, here’s how we work at Arluna.
At Arluna, every child’s program is designed and overseen by an experienced, licensed BCBA, and built around that child after a careful assessment. Our approach is child-led and assent-based, built around each child’s comfort and cues. We work in homes, online, and in schools where permitted, offer support in both English and Spanish, and we’ll help you check your insurance coverage before anything begins. Arluna was founded by a BCBA with more than a decade of experience supporting children on the spectrum, on a simple belief: families deserve care that’s both clinically excellent and genuinely within reach. A decade of small moments — a child asking for what they want for the first time, routines that finally click — taught us that real progress is made of small steps, and that every family deserves a team that shows up for theirs.
However you choose, the most important thing is finding a team that earns your trust and treats your child as a whole person.
Have questions as you compare providers? Reach out to Arluna ABA anytime. We’re happy to answer these questions for you, talk through your options, and help you find the right fit — even if that turns out to be someone else.
We are accepting new clients! Complete our secure, HIPAA-compliant intake form to tell us about your child’s needs. Our intake team will review your information and reach out to discuss how therapy can support your child’s development.