What Is an ABA Evaluation? What to Expect

An ABA evaluation is an assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) that identifies your child's strengths and needs and turns them into an individualized therapy plan. It usually involves a parent interview, direct observation, and standardized tools, and it's the required first step before ABA therapy begins.

If your child has an autism diagnosis and you're considering ABA therapy, the process starts with an evaluation. Knowing what to expect can make the first step feel a lot less daunting.

What happens during an ABA evaluation?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) gathers a full picture of your child through several methods:

• A parent/caregiver interview about your child's history, routines, and goals
• Direct observation of how your child communicates, plays, and responds
• Standardized assessment tools that pinpoint specific skill areas
• A review of any relevant diagnostic or school records

How long does it take?

The assessment itself is typically completed over one or more sessions. From there, the BCBA writes an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals: the blueprint your child's therapy team will follow.

How should we prepare?

Come ready to talk openly about what a typical day looks like, what's hardest, and what you most want for your child. Bring any diagnostic paperwork. There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is an accurate picture so the plan fits your child.

What happens after the evaluation?

Once coverage is confirmed and the plan is approved, therapy begins at one of our autism centers or in your home, with Behavior Technicians (BTs) delivering sessions under BCBA supervision and progress tracked at every step.

Ready to start? Request a consultation and our intake team will walk you through the process.