Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? 

ABA is a science and a practice that seeks to understand and make meaningful changes in behavior. Recognizing that behavior is something that people do, behavior analysts place special emphasis on identifying the things that influence a person’s behavior. This is especially helpful when the goal is to teach new skills, increase desired behavior, or decrease problem behavior. ABA therapy involves looking at factors in a person’s world that impede their success, and then carefully changing those factors and ways of responding. ABA is dedicated to improving people’s lives, is measured by data, and results in socially meaningful improvements. ABA therapy is used to help people develop skills that are often very difficult for them. It has been most recognized for its effectiveness in improving skills and daily functioning for individuals diagnosed with autism. The science of behavior analysis has also made discoveries to address socially important behaviors in areas including education, workplace safety, healthy eating, fitness, self-harm, and addiction. 

2. Who can benefit from ABA therapy? 

There is a lot of research that shows ABA works – not just for people with autism or with disabilities, but with all children, adolescents and adults. In truth, while the goals may be different, ABA can be effective with any of us at any age. 

3. What makes ABA therapy different from common “behavioral supports”? 

There are several key elements for a treatment to qualify as ABA therapy. For example, true ABA interventions always begin with assessment, design, and oversight by a professional behavior analyst. Progress is carefully monitored with data collection and analysis. Changes in the treatment are also data-based. Services referred to as “behavioral supports” may use some of the strategies from ABA, but frequently do not include all of the key components needed for effective ABA treatment. See the attached checklist “Key Components of ABA Interventions” to use as a guideline. 

4. What is the difference between a behavior analyst and a behavior specialist? 

Genuine ABA therapy is designed and overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). In Kentucky a BCBA will also become licensed to practice in the state as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). Licensure and certification are important to help distinguish providers who have adequate training and experience from those who do not. Providers working as behavior specialists usually do not hold a certification or license to practice ABA. Behavior specialists are also not held to the same standards of training, experience, effective treatments, ethical standards, or continuing education. 

5. What should be included in a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)? 

An FBA is warranted when there is problem behavior at levels that are disruptive or harmful. Each FBA is designed to identify where, when and the likely reasons why a problem behavior occurs. The information from an FBA is used to create an intervention, or behavior support plan. The FBA process typically includes multiple sources of information, often starting with caregiver interview, structured ratings scales, and consideration of other important factors such as medical conditions. Direct observation, data collection, and analysis of the data are essential elements of an FBA. 

6. What should be included in a Behavior Support Plan (BSP)? 

A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) may also be referred to as a Behavior Intervention Plan, Behavior Reduction Plan, Function-Based Intervention, or another similar name. Based on ABA guidelines, BSPs are developed and monitored by a behavior analyst. There are many key elements that should be included in a BSP. A full checklist of key elements is provided on the last page of this document as a guide for practitioners and families. Look for the attached “Key Components of ABA Interventions.” 

7. How can I find quality ABA therapy? 

When choosing an ABA provider, always check to see if there is a behavior analyst on staff. If the provider or center serves many clients, see if they have several behavior analysts on staff. ABA as a treatment approach cannot be done properly if you have one behavior analyst who is responsible for making sure a lot of people are getting appropriate care. While a variety of factors impact caseload size, BACB Guidelines note that oversight of 6-12 clients is the average, with a higher range possible based on the population being served. You can search for individual behavior analysts in your area at www.bacb.com. You can also verify whether an individual is a licensed provider in Kentucky at http://oop.ky.gov/lic_search.aspx. 

8. What is the Kentucky Association for Behavior Analysis (KYABA)? 

KYABA is Kentucky’s professional association for ABA. Its mission is to advance awareness, development, and access to the science and practice of behavior analysis in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. See www.kentuckyaba.org/mission. 

9. How can families access ABA services through insurance (commercial insurance, MCO’s or KY-Medicaid)? 

Insurance coverage of ABA services began improving in Kentucky only recently. Starting in 2010, insurance laws in Kentucky were enacted requiring coverage of autism assessment and treatment including ABA. Efforts to further improve coverage continue through legislation and advocacy. Notable state and federal initiates include:

• Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act (2011): ABA treatment found to be medically necessary treatment, not educational.

• Burge v. United States of America (2012): ABA services were found to be medically necessary and TRICARE military insurance was found liable for costs associated with an ABA in-home program.

• Since 2007, over half of the states in the U.S. (including Kentucky) have pursued insurance reform and have been successful in passing bills which require insurers to pay for autism services, with many explicitly listing ABA services.

10. How can I become a member of KYABA? 

Anyone interested in the field of behavior analysis can become an affiliate member of KYABA ($40/yr). Registered behavior technicians, behavior specialists, and family members of individuals receiving ABA services are encouraged to join as affiliate members. A student membership option is also available for students enrolled at least half-time in a behavior-analytic or related degree program ($25/yr). Full Membership is reserved for individuals with a BCBA, BCaBA, or at minimum a Master’s degree and specified experience requirements ($50/yr). Please visit www.kentuckyaba.org/membership for more information or to become a member today. 

11. What are the benefits of KYABA membership? 

Beyond making connections and providing support for the practice of ABA in Kentucky, here are additional benefits of KYABA membership:

  • Conferences and Workshop Series: Each year KYABA brings internationally known professionals in the field of behavior analysis to present on important topics. KYABA hosts several events each year, the largest of which is the annual KYABA conference. These one and two-day events help disseminate advancements in practice, provide networking for providers and families, and offer continuing education credits for professionals. Anyone interested in the practice of ABA is welcome to attend KYABA conferences and workshops. Members receive educed registration fees for KYABA conferences, workshops, and CEU credits.
  • Eligibility for chapter adjunct membership in the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
  • Up-to-date information and opportunities related to ABA services in Kentucky, including legislative, billing, and practice issues.
  • Opportunities to nominate recipients for annual KYABA awards.
  • Participate on KYABA committees (e.g., Awards Committee, Membership Committee, etc.).
  • Vote on organizational business, including KYABA bylaws and its mission (Full Members only).
  • Opportunities to hold office on the KYABA Executive Committee (Full Members only).