ABA Questions & Answers
- What is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?
- A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a way for therapists to figure out why a child is participating in a certain behavior — especially one that might be challenging or hard to manage. A FBA reveals the understanding behind a child’s behavior, not just the behavior itself.
- What is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?
- A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a trained therapist who works one-on-one with your child during ABA therapy. They teach new skills, reduce challenging behaviors, follow the therapy plan created by your child's BCBA, & track your child’s progress throughout therapy. An RBT is your child’s personal coach, helping them practice & succeed!
- What is a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
- A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a personalized plan that helps guide your child’s therapy by addressing specific challenging behaviors. It includes: Why the behavior is happening (the function) strategies to prevent the behavior, new skills to teach instead, & ways to respond when the behavior happens.The BIP ensures that everyone — therapists, teachers, and parents — are using the same plan to help your child succeed.
- How many hours of therapy will my child receive?
- The number of ABA therapy hours a child receives depends on their individual needs and goals. For example, some children may need 10–15 hours per week for mild needs & others with more significant needs might receive 20–40 hours per week. The BCBA determines the number of hours after assessing your child’s skills, behaviors, and what they need to make meaningful progress.
- How often do goals change & how is progress monitored?
- Goals in ABA therapy are reviewed and updated regularly, usually every 3 to 6 months, or sooner if needed. Progress is monitored every session through data collection by the RBT. The BCBA reviews this data to: track improvements, adjust teaching strategies, & add new goals when your child masters skills.