This was posted on a private forum for advocates. I know that getting someone, anyone, to do ABA therapy can sometimes be a challenge. But for those who are paying lots of money for "qualified therapists" I thought knowing what a qualified therapist IS might be important:
http://www.lovaas.com/meetingpoint-2007-05-article-04.php
Knowledge vs. Training
As research proving the effectiveness of behavioral treatment grows, more
and more people have started to say that they have received "training in ABA
therapy." Further, some individuals will state on their website that they
are "Lovaas trained." Anyone making these claims should be scrutinized
closely. First, sometimes the "training" that some people receive only
extends to attendance at a few conferences. Research has shown that training
for skills such as implementing ABA procedures cannot be accomplished
through a talk anymore than training to play the guitar can be learned
through listening to someone talk about how to play a guitar, watching
videos on how to play a guitar, or role-playing with an inflatable guitar.
...
The Autism Special Interest Group from the Association of Behavior Analysis
created a document in 2004 entitled "Revised Guidelines for Consumers of
Applied Behavior Analysis Services to Individuals with Autism and Related
Disorders" found at
http://www.abainternational.org/sub/membersvcs/sig/contactin fo/Autism.asp
which also shows the breadth of both knowledge and experience needed to
competently implement behavioral therapy. The point is clear. Quality
behavioral therapy is not only about what one knows, it's also about what
one can actually do.
I would personally go with the private school that has experience with ABA and know how to take ABA data on your child..20 hours of training is nothing compared to years of experience
The stress of having ABA in home is a factor too...I had people everyday and had to supply all books, reinforcers, toys....coffee:) I felt I was a prisoner for 3 years..but it was good to see how they worked with her so I could take over when they left. We dont have a school for qualified therapists that can do ABA 1:1 or even 2:1 so you are real lucky:) I would hope the school has an open door policy for parents to observe so that you can make sure the programs are being worked on is not watered down and time is not wasted on mastered skills already known. They wont have the supervision as much as they would if they were in your own home. Good luck:)
Thanks Shelley- Yes, this private school program tracks data daily and will send a progress book home to us every day. (I am huge on data collection...so I was really liking the sound of that!) They also use ABLLS quarterly, request parents meet with teachers at least 1X per week, and ask parents to commit to 10 hrs/wk outside of school to carry over/generalize. (I am actually getting more excited thinking about it-it could really help Harris! I doubt I can pull together a more qualified team on my own - trying to hire folks...)
ABA Qualifications and Cost is a big issue for us right now. I am glad you brought that up. I am struggling with "qualified" (cost too...but qualifications are what I want to ask you about)
How do you feel about what I was recommended to do for an in-home program: have ONE Master level, certified consultant over a program of up to 4 individuals with perhaps little to no training other than 20 hrs from the consultant? (consultant did sugg trying to get college students who are enrolled in a program...no luck there, so far)
That option vs. a local private school that uses ABA/VB, ABLLS and has 3 people with 10yrs exp- 2 of which have all the appropriate exp levels and Masters degree but no certification yet. And there are more experienced staff that can do 1:1 and 2:1.
I think I feel more comfortable with the private school. But neither are "ideal" as far as qualifications....
I guess we all have hard decisions when it comes to this....what do you think?
The therapists would bring a small bag of toys but when you are doing 6 hours a day you need lots of activities and goods to keep them engaged. I was lucky I live by a GIANT thrift store that had a room dedicated just for toys, puzzles , games and big bags of goodies for like .99cents:) By time she was through with ABA though I had truckloads of stuff to get rid ofHopeMommy- you are a busy lady!! That is awesome!The stress of having ABA in home is a factor too...I had people everyday and had to supply all books, reinforcers, toys....coffee:)