How to Choose an ABA Therapy Provider in Brampton: 12 Questions to Ask

Credentials and supervision

1. Who is the Registered Behaviour Analyst supervising my child’s program?

   Ask for their name and check it on the CPBAO public register. Since July 1, 2024, only members of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario can call themselves a Registered Behaviour Analyst.

2. How often does the RBA see my child and review the data?

   Supervision should be regular and hands-on, not just a signature on a plan. Ask how often the RBA observes sessions and meets with therapists.

3. What training do the therapists who work with my child have?

   Front-line therapists should be trained in ABA, supervised by the RBA, and receive ongoing professional development. Ask about staff turnover too: consistency matters for children.

Goals and methods

4. How will you assess my child and set goals?

   Look for a formal assessment followed by a written plan with specific, measurable goals that you helped choose.

5. How do you measure progress, and how often will I see it?

   Good programs collect data every session and review it with families regularly. Ask to see an example progress report.

6. What does a typical session look like?

   Ask how much is play-based and naturalistic, and how they respond when a child is upset or doesn’t want to take part. Respectful programs pay attention to a child’s assent and comfort.

7. How many hours do you recommend, and why?

   The answer should come from your child’s assessment and goals, not a fixed package. Industry guidelines describe focused programs (often 10 to 25 hours a week) and comprehensive programs (often 30 to 40 hours a week).

Family involvement

8. How will I be involved?

   Parent training should be part of the program, so you can use the same strategies at home. Ask how often you will meet the RBA.

9. How do you communicate with families day to day?

   Ask how you will hear about a session, who to contact with questions, and how quickly they reply.

Practical fit

10. Is therapy at a centre, at home, or both?

    Centre-based programs offer a structured learning space and peers; home-based programs work on skills in your child’s own routines. Many families combine centre-based therapy with parent coaching.

11. When could my child start, and what hours are available?

    Ask about waitlists, session times, and whether evening or weekend sessions are available.

12. Can I use OAP funding or insurance, and how does billing work?

    Ask for rates in writing, what is billed (including supervision and report writing), and what documentation they provide for the Ontario Autism Program or your insurer. See our OAP funding guide.

Red flags to watch for

• No named, registered behaviour analyst, or vague answers about who supervises.
• A one-size-fits-all number of hours before anyone has assessed your child.
• No written goals, or goals you were not asked about.
• Parents discouraged from being involved or asking questions.
• Promises of a “cure” or guaranteed results.

How Oakridge answers these questions

At Oakridge Children Services in Brampton, every ABA program is designed and supervised by a Registered Behaviour Analyst, goals are written with families and measured every session, parent training is part of every program, and we are open six days a week including Saturdays. Our services are eligible for OAP funding. Come and ask us all 12 questions at a free 30-minute visit and tour.