# What is ABA therapy, and how do I know if it's right for my child? > What applied behavior analysis is, what a session looks like, why it's debated, and questions to ask any provider. URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/aba-therapy By The Autism Kit team · Reviewed by [BCBA NAME], BCBA · Updated 2026-09-27 **Short answer:** ABA (applied behavior analysis) uses the science of learning to teach skills like communication and daily living, and to understand why hard behaviors happen. It's supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). It has the most research of any autism support, and it's also criticized, especially older, rigid styles. Good ABA today is play-based, respects your child's signals and includes you. **Key takeaways** - ABA uses **learning science** to teach skills and understand behavior. - It should be **designed and supervised by a BCBA**, with goals you agree on. - It's **well researched** and also **debated**. Style and provider matter a lot. - Look for **play-based, child-led** sessions that **respect your child's signals**. ## What is ABA therapy? Applied behavior analysis studies how people learn: what happens before a behavior, the behavior itself, and what happens after.[1] In autism support, ABA is used to: - **Teach skills**, like asking for help, taking turns, dressing or using the toilet - **Understand hard behaviors**, like hitting or running off, by figuring out what they communicate - **Replace unsafe behaviors** with other ways to get the same need met The NIH lists behavioral approaches, including ABA, among the main types of autism support.[2] ## What does an ABA session look like? It depends a lot on the provider and your child's age. Common features: - A **BCBA** assesses your child, sets goals with you, and supervises. - A **behavior technician** (often an RBT) works directly with your child, at home, in a clinic or at school. - Sessions often use **play and your child's interests** to practice skills, with lots of encouragement. - Progress is **tracked with data**, and goals are updated. - **Parent training** teaches you strategies to use in daily routines. ## Why is ABA debated? Some autistic adults and advocates are critical of ABA. Common concerns are that older, rigid styles focused on making children look less autistic, pushed kids to sit still or make eye contact, ignored distress, or ran too many hours. Many BCBAs agree some past practices were harmful, and practice has changed. The field's ethics code requires providers to put the client's welfare first and involve families.[3] Still, quality varies a lot between providers, so it's worth asking questions. **Look for these signs of good ABA.** Your child is usually happy to go, goals focus on communication and independence (not on stopping harmless stims), your child's "no" is respected, and you're welcome to watch. ## What should I ask an ABA provider? **Try:** - "What goals would you set, and why?" - "How do you respect my child's signals and choices?" - "How much is play-based or naturalistic?" - "How often does the BCBA see my child, and can I watch?" **Skip:** - Goals that stop harmless stimming or force eye contact - Ignoring crying or distress to finish a task - Not allowing parents to observe - Hours recommended without explaining why ## Is ABA right for my child? It may be a good fit if your child has specific skills to build or behaviors that aren't safe, and you find a provider whose approach feels respectful. It's not the only option: speech therapy, occupational therapy and developmental approaches help many children too. See [What therapies and supports help autistic kids?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-therapies-and-supports) Trust what you see. If your child seems stressed, dreads sessions or is losing their spark, raise it with the BCBA, and it's OK to change course. **Stop and speak up if....** your child is being restrained, punished, denied food or comfort, or seems afraid of a provider. Talk to the BCBA's supervisor or your pediatrician. Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf) ## What can I do this week? - [ ] Write down the skills you'd most like help with - [ ] Call two providers and ask the questions above - [ ] Ask to observe a session before committing - [ ] Check what your insurance covers New to all of this? Start with [What is autism?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-autism) ## Common questions ### How many hours a week is ABA? Recommendations range from a few hours to 25 or more a week. More isn't automatically better. Ask the BCBA why they recommend a certain number of hours and how it fits your child and family. ### Is ABA covered by insurance? In the U.S., every state requires many insurance plans to cover some autism services, often including ABA, but coverage varies by plan. Medicaid also covers it for eligible children. Most plans require an autism diagnosis. ### Can I stop ABA if it's not working? Yes. You're in charge of your child's care. Talk with the BCBA about your concerns first, and it's always OK to change providers or stop. ## Sources 1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: About behavior analysis. https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/ 2. NICHD (NIH): What are the treatments for autism? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments 3. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: Ethics code for behavior analysts. https://www.bacb.com/ethics-information/ethics-codes/ General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.