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Parents and Carers

When your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder it is normal to feel confused about how to aid your child's development. As you begin to look at treatment options, you will find a wide range of support services and programs to assist your child.

ABIA is dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information and support about starting an ABA program and finding suitable therapists.  We also recommend Service Providers to families seeking one-on-one treatment for their child.

ABIA has compiled a comprehensive information pack on Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and how to get a program started. Download your free information pack now, or contact ABIA by phone (03) 9830 0677 or email info@abia.net.au, to order a pack today!

For families about to embark on an ABA program it is highly recommended you attend ABIA's Parent Information Session on how to start an ABA program. This FREE session is offered on various Saturdays throughout the year from 10:00am-12:00pm . Bookings are essential. Click here for registration form.

	Service Providers and therapists
	Choosing A Service Provider
	Affliated Service Providers
	Finding A therapist

Service Providers and Therapists

Prior to commencing an ABA program, parents need to choose a Service Provider. The provider will ultimately design the program your ASD child will follow. Parents then need to recruit therapist/s to deliver the program one-on-one with your child, under the supervision of the choosen Service Provider.

ABIA encourages families who wish to implement an ABA program to conduct proper checks on the competency and qualifications of Service Providers who are supervising, supporting and implementing the ABA program .

In Australia, as in the United States, the most senior and experienced professionals supervising ABA programs are often referred to as ABA Consultants. Those who train or work under their supervision might be called a Clinic Supervisor, Program Manager, Case Manager, Senior Therapist or Lead Therapist (depending on their qualifications and experience.

In present-day Victoria, however, there are no formal guidelines which delineate the kind of qualifications, experience, or attributes that might entitle any professional or paraprofessional to use one or another title.

Families therefore need to satisfy themselves that the qualifications and experience of the professional or paraprofessional are adequate for their needs.

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Choosing a Service Provider

It is highly recommended that parents and carers choose a recognised ABA Service Provider. Although ABIA does not endorse any one particular individual or agency, to assist with informed decision making we have put together a list of factors which we encourage you to take into consideration when choosing an ABA Service Provider.

We encourage consideration of these factors when choosing a Service Provider:

• Letters of recommendation from participating families including the opportunity to view another supervised ABA program
• Cost (hourly rates and other costs), timing of payments, and any specific contractual terms
• Formal qualifications in behaviour analysis and autism
• Attendance/participation at professional conferences and publication of articles
• Training in directing ABA programs, number of years (full-time or part-time) and experience and qualifications of supervisor
• Experience in directing ABA programs including the number of families dealt with currently and previously

What is the nature of the Service Provider's business

• Whether senior supervision is provided and how often
• Whether an introductory workshop is offered as part of their program
• Frequency of visits and program review
• Provision of curriculum details and recording sheets
• Assistance in finding and training therapists
• Experience in particular areas relevant to your child (e.g. Tantrum extinctions, the older child, non-verbal communication, the slower learning child, the high functioning child etc)
• How soon they can start and whether they are available in the long-term

The Service Provider is responsible for:

• Setting up an initial introductory workshop with the family
• Developing and supervising the programs for your child
• Provide ongoing training for therapists, including training on how to accurately collect data to track your child's progress

Importantly, the Service Provider does not deliver the program. This is done by a therapist/s. You may like to consider our therapists' training program to help you understand the foundations of ABA therapy. This course is now FaHCSIA approved! Download registration form.

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Finding a Therapists/s

Finding the right therapist/s is one of the most difficult aspects of setting up a home program. You can try placing advertisements at local universities, particularly in the Psychology, Disability Studies, and Speech Pathology Departments.

If hiring inexperienced therapists ABIA recommends that the therapists undertake ABIA's therapist training course. This is offered monthly.

Qualified therapists can be added to ABIA's therapist list, which outlines set criteria before they can be added. Due to the demand in therapists, this list is made available to ABIA members only. The list includes names of available therapists ready for work and details of experience & qualifications. Become a member to access this list (link to membership form)

Although a therapists may have completed ABIA's therapists training program, ABIA does not endorse the credentials, qualifications, details or ABA experience of any of the therapists listed. It is recommend families make their own enquiries and screen every applicant who offers ABA or ABA related services to determine their suitability and qualifications.

It is essential that families also perform police checks before employing anyone to work with their child. Please contact Victoria Police on 03 9247 6666 to request a Police Record Check Consent form or download the .PDF form from the Victorian Police website.

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