đźš© Red Flags to Look Out for When Searching for an ABA Therapist
Finding the right ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapist for your child can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're trying to make the best decisions in a world that may not always accommodate neurodiverse needs.
At All Behaviour Consultancy, we believe families deserve honesty, transparency, and genuinely expert care.
Here are some red flags to watch out for when choosing an ABA therapist, and what to look for instead.
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❌ 1. One-Size-Fits-All Programmes
If a provider claims to use the same plan for every child or doesn’t take time to assess your child individually, that’s a big red flag. ABA therapy should be 100% personalised, with clear goals tailored to your child’s unique strengths and needs.
âś… What to look for: A thorough initial and customised assessment (no templated documents), ongoing data collection, and adjustments made as your child grows and progresses.
❌ 2. No Parent Involvement
You should never be on the outside looking in. If a ABA therapist discourages parent participation or doesn’t provide regular updates, it’s a sign of poor collaboration.
âś… What to look for: An ABA therapist who invites your input, explains strategies clearly, and supports you in using those strategies at home.
❌ 3. Heavy Reliance on Punishment or Extinction
Modern, ethical ABA practices focus on positive reinforcement, not punishment. If a provider uses outdated methods like ignoring, forced compliance, or aversive techniques, it can harm your child’s well-being.
âś… What to look for: A Positive Behaviour Support approach that builds skills through encouragement, not fear.
❌ 4. Unqualified or Under-Supervised Staff
Ask about credentials. If therapists are unqualified or sessions are being run without oversight from a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), that’s cause for concern.
âś… What to look for: A well-trained team led by a certified professional who provides consistent supervision and support.
❌ 5. No Clear Data or Progress Tracking
If you’re not seeing charts, reports, or specific updates, how can you know what’s working? ABA is a data-driven science - if there’s no data, there’s no direction.
✅ What to look for: A team that tracks your child’s progress with transparency and can show you results over time.
❌ 6. Pressure to Commit Quickly
You should never feel rushed into starting therapy. If a Autism Behaviour provider pressures you into signing up before explaining the plan or costs, step back and reassess.
✅ What to look for: A team that’s willing to answer questions, explain options, and give you time to decide. No pressure at all.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts
Your child deserves compassionate, high-quality Behaviour support, and so do you. Don’t settle. Ask questions. Trust your instincts.
At All Behaviour Consultancy, we’re here to empower families with ethical, evidence-based ABA therapy that respects neurodiversity and supports every child’s journey with care and dignity.
If you want to learn more, check out our latest information on choosing the right provider, and how to avoid the bad ones.
Got questions? Reach out to us here, or book a free consultation below.
