Starting ABA services can feel overwhelming. There’s paperwork, new terminology, and a lot of information being shared at once. But here’s the truth: the intake meeting isn’t just for the provider — it’s for you.

This is your moment to ask questions, understand how a provider operates, and make sure the team supporting your child is a genuine fit for your family. You deserve clarity, transparency, and confidence from the very beginning.

Asking the right questions during intake can help you feel grounded, informed, and empowered. Below is a guide designed to help you feel prepared every step of the way.

What Intake Really Is (And Why It Matters)

Intake is the first formal step in exploring ABA services. It often includes:

• Reviewing your child’s history
  
• Discussing concerns and goals
  
• Completing intake paperwork
  
• Understanding insurance or funding
  
• Learning how the assessment and therapy process works
  

Think of it as a two-way conversation. A strong provider will welcome your questions and value your participation — because collaboration leads to better outcomes for your child.

 1. Questions About the Provider’s Philosophy

Every ABA provider has their own approach, and it’s important to understand their values and how they will support your child.

Here are questions that give you insight into their philosophy:

• “How would you describe your overall therapy approach?”
  
• “How do you incorporate play, child-led learning, or assent-based practices?”
  
• “How do you ensure therapy is respectful, encouraging, and developmentally appropriate?”
  
• “What does family involvement look like in your programs?”
  

The answers should feel clear, calm, and aligned with your expectations as a caregiver.

 2. Questions About Assessment & Treatment Planning

Assessment is the foundation of effective ABA therapy. These questions help you understand the process and timeline:

• “What assessments do you use to understand my child’s strengths and needs?”
  
• “When will I receive the treatment plan?”
  
• “How will goals be chosen, and will I have input?”
  
• “How often are goals reviewed or updated?”
  

A great provider will emphasize collaboration and keep you involved in decision-making from the start.

 3. Questions About Staffing & Support

Families often want to know who will be working directly with their child and how the provider supports those staff.

Ask about:

• “Who will be in sessions with my child?”
  
• “How are therapists trained, supported, and supervised?”
  
• “How often will the BCBA observe sessions?”
  
• “How do team members communicate with each other — and with families?”
  

High-quality providers are transparent about training, supervision, and consistency.

 4. Questions About Therapy Logistics

These practical questions help you understand what your routine may look like:

• “Where do sessions take place? Home, school, community, clinic?”
  
• “What does a typical session look like?”
  
• “How many hours of therapy will my child receive?”
  
• “How flexible is scheduling?”
  
• “What’s the process if we need to miss or reschedule a session?”
  

Clarity here helps reduce stress for the entire family.

 5. Questions About Parent Involvement

Your role in your child’s progress is incredibly important. The provider should welcome your partnership.

Ask:

• “How will you include me in my child’s therapy?”
  
• “What does parent training look like?”
  
• “How do you share progress, data, or updates?”
  
• “What can I do at home to support my child’s goals?”
  

If a provider seems hesitant or vague about your involvement, consider it a signal to dig deeper.

 6. Questions About Insurance & Cost

Understanding financial expectations upfront is essential.

Ask:

• “Do you accept my insurance?”
  
• “What will my out-of-pocket costs look like?”
  
• “How often do you check for authorizations?”
  
• “Who handles communication with insurance?”
  

A trustworthy provider will offer clear, upfront answers and guide you through each step.

 7. Questions About Safety, Dignity, and Ethics

You should feel confident that your child is safe, respected, and supported with compassion.

Consider asking:

• “How do you ensure my child’s comfort and dignity during sessions?”
  
• “What is your policy on assent and involving the child in their own learning?”
  
• “How do you handle challenging behavior in a way that is safe and supportive?”
  

Ethical providers are always willing to explain how they uphold safety and respect in their work.

 8. Red Flags to Watch For

These signals may indicate the provider isn’t the right fit:

• Vague or rushed answers
  
• Discouraging parent involvement
  
• Overpromising results
  
• High staff turnover with no explanation
  
• Lack of transparency about billing or scheduling
  
• Hesitation to explain their methods
  

You deserve honest, confident answers. Trust your instincts — they’re often right.

Asking questions during intake isn’t just allowed — it’s expected and encouraged. You’re not interviewing us to find flaws; you’re learning whether this is a team that will honor your child’s strengths, respect your family’s routines, and communicate with transparency.

You are your child’s strongest advocate, and this is your opportunity to speak up, get clarity, and find a provider who feels like a true partner.

If you still have questions about ABA, intake, or what therapy might look like for your child, our team at Variabilities is here to help.
We’re always happy to walk you through the process and support you every step of the way.