Key Points:
- Parents should ask about staff credentials, supervision models, and individualized treatment plans when evaluating ABA providers.
- Transparency in progress tracking, communication practices, and parent training support are essential indicators of quality.
- Service delivery models (in-home vs. clinic) and flexibility in scheduling play a key role in aligning therapy with family routines.
Finding the right ABA therapy provider in Maryland can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating a maze of clinical terms, providers, and promises. If you’re a parent or caregiver searching for effective autism therapy services, you’re likely asking: “What questions should I be asking?” The truth is, not all providers offer the same quality of care, and knowing the right questions to ask is your first line of defense in finding a team that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.
At Steady Steps, we understand how personal and important this decision is. As ABA therapy providers in Maryland, we’ve heard it all—and we know that an informed parent is a powerful advocate. Here’s your in-depth guide to the most important questions to ask before choosing an ABA provider, with detailed explanations to help you spot what matters most.
1. Who Will Be Working Directly With My Child?
Before you commit, it’s critical to know who will be at your child’s side day to day.
Many parents assume that the same clinician who performs the assessment will also provide direct therapy. In reality, ABA therapy often involves a team.
Ask these specific questions:
- Is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) overseeing the therapy?
A BCBA is the clinician who creates the treatment plan and supervises the therapy team. They should be licensed and involved regularly—not just at the start.
- Who is implementing the therapy sessions?
Most direct therapy is carried out by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Ask if the RBTs are certified, how they’re trained, and whether you’ll have the same RBT consistently.
- How frequently does the BCBA observe sessions or make changes to the plan?
Frequent supervision ensures the plan is adjusted as your child progresses—or when things aren’t working.
Steady Steps assigns qualified RBTs and ensures close BCBA oversight so your child receives consistent, high-quality care with measurable results.
2. How Are Treatment Plans Developed and Personalized?
ABA is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every child is different—and so is their therapy plan.
When discussing a potential provider, ask:
- How is the treatment plan created?
The provider should perform a detailed assessment that considers your child’s developmental level, communication skills, and behavior patterns.
- What goals will the plan target?
Look for providers that include functional goals—things like communication, daily living skills, social interaction, and emotional regulation—not just behavior reduction.
- Are family routines and input included in the plan?
Your input should be part of the process. Good providers listen to your goals and challenges and include those in the treatment direction.
We believe that ABA therapy should be built around the child—and the family. At Steady Steps, we collaborate closely with caregivers to craft plans that actually work in real life, not just in theory.
3. What Does Parent Training Look Like?
Parent training is a non-negotiable if you want real, long-term progress. Without your involvement, skills often stay stuck in therapy sessions instead of generalizing to home, school, or the community.
Important questions to ask:
- Do you offer parent training as part of your services?
This should be a standard part of the treatment plan—not an add-on.
- How often do training sessions occur?
Look for providers who offer regular, scheduled sessions where you’re taught strategies to reinforce learning at home.
- What topics are covered in parent training?
Ideally, training goes beyond behavior management and includes communication strategies, daily routines, and positive reinforcement techniques you can use every day.
Parent coaching is central to how we work. Our goal is to help parents become confident in applying ABA principles at home, even outside therapy hours.
4. What Types of Data Are Collected—and How Often Are Results Shared?
Progress in ABA is tracked meticulously using data. But data is only useful if it’s shared and explained clearly.
Here’s what to ask:
- What kind of data do you collect during sessions?
This could include skill acquisition data, behavior tracking, or even video modeling, depending on the provider.
- How often will I get progress updates?
Look for providers who give monthly reports at minimum and hold regular review meetings.
- Will I be able to understand the data?
You shouldn’t need a background in psychology to understand your child’s progress. Ask if updates are explained in a way that’s clear and actionable.
At Steady Steps, we believe transparency is everything. We make sure families are never left guessing about what’s happening—or why a goal was met (or not).
5. What Is Your Approach to Behavior Intervention?
Behavior support is a big part of ABA, but not all providers approach it the same way. Some lean too heavily on reactive strategies instead of building proactive ones.
Ask these deeper questions:
- How do you identify the reasons behind challenging behavior?
Look for a provider that uses functional behavior assessments (FBAs) to understand why the behavior is happening, not just how to stop it.
- Do you use reinforcement-based strategies?
Quality ABA should be rooted in positive reinforcement—not punishment.
- Are behavior plans individualized and monitored for effectiveness?
A good provider will adapt behavior plans based on what works for your child and adjust them over time.
Effective behavior support isn’t just about stopping tantrums—it’s about teaching your child what to do instead. That’s what we focus on at Steady Steps.
6. Where and How Are Services Delivered?
Families in Maryland may have access to in-home, center-based, or even community-based ABA therapy. Each setting has its pros and cons—so it’s about fit.
Here’s what to ask:
- Do you offer in-home or clinic-based therapy—or both?
Not all providers offer both. Know what you need: in-home therapy can be ideal for targeting real-life skills in a natural environment.
- Is your schedule flexible enough for my family’s routine?
If a provider can’t offer session times that work with school or work schedules, it may lead to missed sessions and limited progress.
- Do you offer therapy during evenings or weekends?
Flexibility is crucial, especially for working families or kids in school programs.
At Steady Steps, we specialize in in-home ABA therapy in Maryland because we believe meaningful learning happens where life happens.
7. What Does a Typical Therapy Session Look Like?
The term “ABA therapy” covers a lot, so it’s fair to ask what sessions will look like day to day.
Important follow-ups include:
- How long are sessions, and how many per week?
Session frequency and length should match your child’s needs and insurance coverage, but also your family’s capacity.
- Are sessions structured or more naturalistic?
Ideally, there’s a balance of structured learning and natural environment teaching (NET), where skills are taught during play or daily routines.
- What’s the approach to rapport-building?
Ask how therapists “pair” with your child before starting demands. Relationship-building is critical for cooperation and learning.
We build trust before we teach. That’s why every Steady Steps therapist is trained to make sessions both effective and engaging.
8. Is Your Organization Licensed and Credentialed?
Lastly, don’t overlook the basics. Any provider you work with should meet state licensing requirements and follow ethical guidelines set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
You should also ask:
- Are your BCBAs and RBTs properly certified and background-checked?
- Do you follow Maryland’s licensing standards for ABA services?
- Do you accept my insurance plan, and do you handle the authorization process?
This might seem like red tape, but it directly affects the consistency and safety of the care your child receives.
Final Thoughts: Your Questions Matter
Choosing an ABA provider in Maryland isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about making sure the team working with your child truly understands what matters to you—and is prepared to support your child’s growth in a meaningful way.
Asking the right questions helps you find more than just a provider. It helps you find a partner in your child’s development journey.
At Steady Steps, we offer ABA therapy in Maryland with a focus on family collaboration, flexible in-home services, and real-world results. We’re here to walk with you through each question, every concern, and every win—big or small.
Contact us today to learn more about ABA therapy in Maryland and how we can support your family with personalized, compassionate care.
