Getting Started
Do your homework…
Start by visiting our “Learn about ABA” page and studying the resources there, especially the Association for Science in Autism Treatment’s “Autism Resource Guide for Families of Newly Diagnosed Children”.
Before hiring a professional…
Read the Consumer Guidelines. Also check the certificant registry to verify that a potential ABA consultant is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) or board certified associate behavior analyst (BCaBA). Another good resource is this article taken from the website of the Association for Science in Autism website: How to Choose a Behavior Consultant.
Read the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Practice Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder. It contains general guidance and basic descriptions of typical ABA service delivery.
Seek out training for yourself…
Training can help you become a therapist for your own child, and it can help you become a more educated consumer. FEAT is proud to sponsor low-cost, high-quality ABA workshops and there are many other free training opportunities provided by Behavior Analysts all around Houston. Please see our calendar for these. Sign up for our email list to receive our monthly E-newsletter with announcements of training events that are offered through local ABA providers. Our E-newsletter often also includes information on training grants and projects that may be available.
FEAT-Houston also offers a free DVD set of our ABC’s of ABA workshop in English and/or Spanish. See our DVD Ordering page or request a set by emailing feathouston@gmail.com.
Paying for ABA
- Insurance
- Medicaid Waiver Programs can include some BCBA services in addition to many other services. Currently the waiting lists for these programs can be quite long but FEAT-Houston recommends EVERY parent sign up for the “interest lists” for these programs as soon as possible. They will become very important for the future of your individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are two basic calls to make to get on these lists. Find out more here:
- Another source of possible financial assistance is Applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Texas Health and Human Services Children’s Autism Program
- The Health and Human Services Children’s Autism Program provides focused Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment for children ages 3 through 15 years of age with a diagnosis of autism. Focused ABA treatment is targeted to address a few specific outcomes instead of all developmental needs of the child. Treatment is limited to 180 hours within a 12-month period. Depending on the provider, treatment may be provided in the home, community, school, or treatment center. Fee for treatment is based on a sliding scale (possible deductions will be taken into consideration before your cost share is assigned).
To find out more:
- Visit the website
- Find a list of providers for this program
- Search for a provider by zip code
- Call 800-222-3986, Ext. 2180
