qualifications of an ABA instructor | Autism PDD

The new teacher working with my son for his ABA sessions at home isnt as good as I had hoped.

She is an OT, not a teacher. She claims her experience is that she did OT in an autism school for a year where she saw drills being done in the classroom. She currently works for the district as an OT now. Gabriel is her first and only child she is working with.

Correct me if I am wrong but doesnt the law say that the individual doing the discrete trial be educated as a special needs teacher???? Meaning they must have a degree in special education. I could tell the woman who came out today was verrry inexperienced. I asked her and she said she had a degree in OT and nothing in education. She is relying completely on the district's behaviorist who has never met Gabriel.

Do I have the right to say something to the district? Ask for someone more experienced? someone who has formerly done dt before.

ok so now i am really aggrivated

This is a link I found below:

Guidelines for Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy Providers

Accompanying the recommendation that Tricare authorize the use of ABA therapy companies as

providers are guidelines developed by parents and service providers to ensure the quality of

service and safety of all involved. These recommendations would expand the range of services

rendered by employees and consultants of authorized independent professional providers. This

is consistent with all other services rendered under the Tricare basic program under Chapter 11

Section 10.1 of the Tricare Policy Manual. This is also consistent with how ABA services are

delivered in the private sector, clinical, and university settings. This revision is the best solution

to provide effective and quality ABA therapy services. Concerns regarding safety and

qualifications and quality of therapy providers can be addressed within policy development and

recommendations are outlined below. Families need access to intense service hours. Not access

to a single certified individual. Teams of trained therapists who each possess different levels of

experience, education, training, and certification provide effective ABA programming for

children with autism. Families need access to these teams.

The following guidelines are presented for consideration by TMA when developing its own

provider standards for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. These are general guidelines

and are presented as minimum standards. Many ABA providers have additional guidelines

regarding specific behavioral programming, intervention, and staff qualification and training

beyond the general scope of this document. The below information was prepared with

information received from parents, the LOVAAS Institute, Community Services for Autistic

Adults and Children (CSAAC), Priorities ABA, Center for Autistic Related Disorders (CARD),

the Association for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and ACES, Inc. This document does not

state the opinions or policies from the above agencies, but rather a compilation of information

from such sources applicable to the development of provider policy under ECHO.

Provider Qualifications (detailed by staffing level):

Clinical Director

The Clinical Director of the ABA agency has a Master’s or Doctorate in Behavior Analysis, or in

Psychology, Special Education, or another human service discipline with an emphasis in

behavior analysis. Additionally, the Clinical Director holds BCBA certification or extensive

training and experience in the application of ABA principles in the treatment of children with

autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to include:

• Coursework in principles of learning, principles of behavior, or basic behavior analysis;

experimental analysis of behavior; behavioral assessment or methods of direct

observation of behavior; applied behavior analysis; single-subject research designs; legal

and ethical issues.

• Supervised practicum, internship, or employment experiences in ABA.

Program Supervisor

The Program Supervisor has a minimum Bachelor’s degree (a Master’s degree or Master’s level

coursework is preferable but not always practical). Additionally, the Program Supervisor holds

Enclosure (1)

BCBA or BCABA certification or at least 2 years training and hands on experience in the

application of ABA principles in the treatment of children with ASD. Experience should have

been supervised by an individual at the Clinical Director level and gained through work with

children with varying abilities.

1:1 ABA Instructors

1:1 ABA Instructors have a Bachelor’s degree or at minimum, undergraduate coursework.

Experience in implementing ABA is helpful, but not required (see Training point below).

Safety Requirements

All staff working directly with children will be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background

check. They will be trained in CPR and first aid procedures.

For home-based programs, ABA therapy should not be performed without a parent or caregiver

present in the home

ABA agencies are required to carry general liability and professional liability insurance of

,000,000 or more.

Place of Service

ABA therapy services can be provided in a variety of settings including the home, clinic, school,

daycare, community, or treatment center.

Training of ABA Instructors

Clinical Directors will ensure quality of service though initial and ongoing training of ABA

Instructors. Training will include lecture on the theory and practice of ABA as well as direct

instruction and demonstration of teaching principals and techniques.

Supervision

Supervision of 1:1 ABA Instructors

Consultations are provided by the Program Supervisor on a regular basis and provide

opportunities for ongoing training, supervision, and quality control. ABA Instructors are

assessed for competency through direct observation and objective measures of their ability to

demonstrate key ABA principles and techniques.

Meetings are held on an ongoing basis to review progress, problem-solve areas of difficulty,

introduce new goals and monitor staff implementation of therapy techniques.

Supervision of Program Supervisor

The Clinical Director provides supervision and training on an ongoing basis. Program

Supervisors are evaluated annually for competency in all aspects of their role.

Enclosure (1)

Procedures to Assess and Document Progress

Data are collected on goals and objectives to measure and document progress and assist in plan

development. Data, observations and recommendations are summarized by the Program

Supervisor in treatment reports, which are reviewed by the Clinical Director and distributed to

the family, ABA team, and funding source.

Parental Responsibilities

For home-based programs, parents shall provide a safe home environment conducive to learning.

Parents will participate actively in their child’s treatment by conducting observations of therapy

sessions, coordinating between team members, participating in team meetings, participating in

consultations and learning and implementing ABA procedures to extend treatment gains beyond

formal therapy sessions.