ABA Intake Checklist
Our ABA intake checklist helps you spot "red flags" before enrolling. Use our 15 essential questions to compare RBT turnover, BCBA supervision, and provider transparency.
Quality Report
Spot clinician turnover early.
Sample Checklist Questions
The full PDF contains 15 detailed questions with an intake scorecard.
What is your annual RBT turnover rate?
Why it matters: High turnover (over 40%) means your child keeps losing therapists they have bonded with, which stalls progress.
How often will a BCBA directly supervise my child's case?
Why it matters: Regular oversight lets the BCBA adjust the plan as your child grows. Minimum should be 2-4 hours per month.
Do you allow parent observations of sessions?
Why it matters: High-quality clinics are transparent. If they say 'no' to parents watching, it's a major red flag.
Is your approach Natural Environment Training (NET) or DTT?
Why it matters: A mix is best. DTT is table-work; NET is play-based. You want skills that translate to the real world.
Download the Printable Version
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A Parent-First Initiative
Special Needs USA is a family resource network, not a clinic. We want autism therapy clinics to be easier to compare, so your child gets the best shot at success. BACB standards and parent input shaped this checklist.
More resources: ABA therapy cost, first 30 days checklist, find ABA centers, and our autism screening quiz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ABA intake checklist?
An ABA intake checklist is a structured set of questions parents ask ABA therapy clinics during the enrollment process. It targets clinical quality, staff stability (RBT turnover), and operational transparency, so parents can check that the clinic is a safe, high-quality match for their child.
What should I ask an ABA clinic during intake?
Ask about annual RBT turnover rates (stability), BCBA supervision frequency (quality), and observation policies (transparency). Our free 2026 checklist has 15 specific questions and a scoring key.
Why is RBT turnover important?
RBT turnover above 40% can disrupt therapy continuity and stall your child's social and behavioral progress. A clinic with low staff turnover lets your child build a consistent, trusting relationship with their therapist.