Parents recognizing the importance of early intervention and the research behind ABA, often have questions about locating and choosing specific ABA programs and providers. As the demand has grown, so too has the number of options available. ABA providers and centers are multiplying across the state of Indiana. In some areas of the state, the options are fewer or harder to access. In areas that offer many options, parents often have a difficult time choosing the right center/provider for their child and family. Because these centers/providers use somewhat different approaches and interact with families in different ways, it may be hard to know which center or provider will best meet their needs.
Below are a list of questions that can help guide you in the process of finding a provider or center that best fits your child’s and families’ needs.
- Are your staff Board Certified?
Note: You want to be sure staff providing services have the proper credential. More specific information can be found at the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (https://www.bacb.com/). - How many BCBAs work in the center/program? How many BCaBAs?
Note: Does your program follow the BACB Practice Guidelines, related to BCBA supervision recommendations, and caseload size of the team providing services to my child? BACB Guidelines note that oversight of 6-12 clients is the average, with a higher range possible based on circumstances. - How many Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) work in the center/program?
Note: Direct ABA treatment is typically provided by a “front line therapist” or RBT under the direction of a BCBA. - Is the treatment 1:1 with the RBT or in a group format? If group, how many learners to one RBT?
- What level of oversight is provided by the BCBA? Is the BCBA on the premise at all times? How many hours of direct oversight of the program are provided?
- What are the training procedures of the clinic/provider? Is regular and ongoing professional development available to staff?
Note: The certification board (BACB) has requirements that people obtain ongoing training to maintain certification. - How frequently will the BCBA meet with the parent/caregiver?
- Will the BCBA coordinate services with other providers (e.g., Occupational therapists, Speech Language Pathologists) and at what frequency?
- What is agency policy for implementing behavior plans? Are restricted interventions (e.g., time-out procedures, restraint, etc.) being used? What is the approval process for behavior plans that have restrictive interventions? Is there an external review process (e.g., advisory board, etc.)?
- What policies are in place for preventing abuse? Exploitation? Protecting privacy? Does the center/provider have policies in place? Ask to see relevant policies.
- What is toileting or diaper changing policy? If children are showered, what policy is in place to protect your child?
- How frequently are parents allowed to observe the child in therapy?
Note: While an agency/provider may have basic protocols on how to schedule an observation, the ability or inability to easily access your child at any time may be something worth considering. Also, if at any time you notice a procedure with your child that makes you uncomfortable, you have every right to stop the procedure and/or ask for more information about why the procedure is in place, the potential harm and good of the procedure, and about potential alternative procedures. - What data collection methods are used?
Note: Data collection is a critical component of ABA programs. All providers and centers should be able to regularly provide you data in a format that is understandable. They should explain how to interpret the data. Some professionals become so accustomed to using data that they hand you reams of data that simply don’t make sense to anyone. Providers and staff at centers should be able to summarize data so you can see trends that show if your child is improving or not. - How does your center assess if progress is being made? Can I see examples of how this is done at your center?
Note: After you have selected a provider or center, ask about their plan and the documentation they will maintain about your child’s progress. Once your child is in a program, you should have regularly scheduled meetings with your child’s BCBA or supervising provider to review progress, make updates to the program, and to provide you with the skills to help maintain and generalize your child’s mastered skills at home or in the community. - Do you provide regular training for family members/parents?
- How much will treatment cost?
Note: ABA providers and centers charge different rates. Costs will vary greatly. Please do not assume more expensive means better services. Most ABA programs will help you navigate funding options. - What is the practice for billing my insurance?
Note: Be sure you are aware of possible co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. - What other payment options are available (e.g., Medicaid, Children’s Special Health Care Services)? Be sure to get accurate information. Do not hesitate to contact relevant state agencies.
- What is the rate of staff turnover?
- What is the average age of those served?
Note: At times, ABA providers will accept teenage clients. Make sure they have experience with older children. Ask for examples.
There is no ABA magic wand. It takes a lot of work by many people (including you) to help your child reach his or her potential. So be very careful of grandiose promises about unrealistic outcomes. Providers who promise instant cures should be questioned. None of us can say with certainty what a child will be able to do in the future. Most children will make progress when provided with effective intervention and support, but each child will progress at a different pace. Many factors may affect progress. Factors like your child’s health, behavioral challenges, quality of program, and how challenging it is for them to carry over their skills to important settings (like your home or in the community) all influence how quickly progress is made. Any provider or center that promises your child will be “just like a child without ASD” in a few years is making promises they cannot keep.
Our hope is that the information provided in this article will help you think through some issues that may be important as you explore options for your child and family. For other information on this topic, visit our website at what-to-consider-when-looking-for-a-qualified-aba-provider (What to Consider When Looking for a Qualified ABA Provider) and tips-for-choosing-a-provider-for-applied-behavior-analysis-aba (Tips for Choosing a Provider for Applied Behavior Analysis).
Below is a list of agencies and providers across Indiana. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism does not recommend a specific organization or person, and this list is not intended as a critique or endorsement of any individual provider or agency. Again, when contacting those listed below, discuss the cost of services, and the type of services provided. Contact your insurance company to determine coverage for ABA. You can also check the website at https://www.bacb.com/page/100155/ to find a BCBA provider in your area.
If you are an ABA provider and you want your organization added to this list, contact Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D at prattc@indiana.edu.
If you have evidence that a provider has not acted ethically or professionally, and should not be included on this list, or if you are concerned about the manner in which they have treated your child, please do not hesitate to email Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D directly with specific concerns at prattc@indiana.edu.
Avon
Bierman ABA Autism Center-Avon
301 Satori Parkway, Avon, IN 46123
Contact: Courtney Bierman, M.A., BCBA, 317-815-5501, info@biermanaba.com
Website: https://www.biermanaba.com/
Damar ABA Autism Services
7105 Galen Drive West, Avon, IN 46123
Contact: Lisa Goldberg, M.S.W., 317-813-4690, lisag@damar.org
Website: https://www.damar.org/children/autism-services/aba/
Benton Harbor
LOGAN Autism Learning Center – Southwest Michigan
1651 Nickerson Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Contact: Kristin Wier, M.A., L.L.P., BCBA, 269-983-5833, kristinw@logancenter.org
Website: https://www.logancenter.org/autism/
Bloomington
Access Abilities, INC.
1711 North College Avenue, Suite 101
Bloomington, IN 47404
Contact: Andrea Villarreal, 812-323-4660, info@accessabilitiesinc.com
Website: https://accessabilitiesinc.com/
Collaborating for Kids, LLC.
640 South Walker Street, Bloomington, IN 47403
Contact: Kathy Handley, 812-200-2777, info@collabforkids.com
Website: https://www.collabforkids.com/
Little Star Center
3101 North Canterbury Court, Bloomington, IN 47404
Contact: Victoria Blessing-Wade, 812-650-3032, victoriaw@littlestarcenter.org
Website: http://www.littlestarcenter.org
Unlocking the Spectrum
451 South Parkridge, Suite 102
Bloomington, IN 47401
Contact: Samantha Gregory, 317-334-7331 ext. 703, sgregory@unlockingthespectrum.com
Website: https://www.unlockingthespectrum.com/
Carmel
Little Star Center
12650 Hamilton Crossing Boulevard, Carmel, IN 46032
Contact: Victoria Blessing-Wade, 317-249-2242, victoriaw@littlestarcenter.org
Website: http://www.littlestarcenter.org
Applied Behavior Center for Autism
13431 Old Meridian Street
Carmel, IN 46032
Contact: Sandra Nevils, 317-849-5437 ext. 104, sandy@appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Website: https://www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org/
Chesterton
Life Strategies, LLC
442 Sand Creek Dr N., Suite 101, Chesterton, IN 46304-9407
Contact: Autumn Vendramin, LMHC, BCBA Executive Clinical Director, 219-359-3272
contact@life-strategies.net
Website: https://life-strategies.net/
Clarksville
Little Star Center
630 Eastern Boulevard, Clarksville, IN 47129
Contact: Victoria Blessing-Wade, 219-359-3272, victoriaw@littlestarcenter.org
Website: http://www.littlestarcenter.org
Crown Point
Harmony Autism Therapy
10769 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307
Contact: Kimberly Schneider, 855-690-2192, learn@harmony-autism.com
Website: https://harmony-autism.com/
Life Strategies, LLC
The Point, 5521 W Lincoln Hwy, Suite 301, Crown Point, IN 46307-1118
Contact: Autumn Vendramin, LMHC, BCBA Executive Clinical Director, 219-359-3272,
contact@life-strategies.net
Website: https://life-strategies.net/
Elkhart
Behavioral Analysis Center for Autism (BACA Hart)
30380 County Road 6, Elkhart, IN 46514
Contact: Colin Clayton, 317-436-8961, cclayton@thebaca.com
Website: https://thebaca.com/
Lighthouse Autism Center
23426 US-33, Elkhart, IN 46517
Contact: Family Outreach Coordinator, 574-387-4313, outreach@lighthouseautismcenter.com
Website: https://lighthouseautismcenter.com/autism-treatment-center-elkhart-indiana/
Evansville
Bridges Autism Therapies
2344 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715
Contact: Jennifer Lanham, M.A., BCBA/President, 317-503-3719, jennifer.lanham@bridges.us
Website: www.bridgesautismtherapies.com
Harsha Autism Center
1900 Stringtown Road, Evansville, IN 47711
Contact: Emily Thomas, 812-490-2826, info@harshaautism.com
Website: www.harshaautism.com
Hopebridge
7311 Eagle Crest Boulevard, Evansville, IN 47715
Contact: Paul Hawa, 812-213-8031, webmaster@hopebridge.com
Website: https://www.hopebridge.com/centers/
SpringHealth Behavioral Health and Integrated Care – Evansville
4410 Executive Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Contact: RaShai Reynolds, 317-452-6279, rashai.reynolds@springhealthinc.com
Website: https://www.springhealthbehavioral.com/
Fishers
Behavioral Analysis Center for Autism (BACA)
11902 Lakeside Drive, Fishers, IN 46038
Contact: Colin Clayton, 317-436-8961, cclayton@thebaca.com
Website: https://thebaca.com/
Behavioral Analysis Center for Autism (BACA Prep)
9929 E. 126th Street, Fishers, IN 46038
Contact: Colin Clayton, 317-436-8961, cclayton@thebaca.com
Website: https://thebaca.com/
Flat Rock
Beyond the Label
1800 West 900 South, Flat Rock, IN 47234
Contact: Melissa Poe, 317-512-2101, mpoe@goingbeyondthelabel.com
Website: https://www.goingbeyondthelabel.com/
Fort Wayne
Lizbeth A. Anderson, M.S., BCBA
9419 Silverfox Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Contact: Liz Anderson, 260-348-7007, AndersonLz@aol.com
Children's Autism Center, Inc.
10313 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
and
10820 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Contact: Jenna Davis, 260-459-6040, info@childrensautismcenter.org
Website: https://childrensautismcenter.org/
Child’s Play Autism Centers
7230 Engle Road, Suite 102, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Contact: Jason Shaw, M.A., BCBA, 260-373-1050, admin@childsplayautism.com
Website: http://childsplayautism.com/
Fort Wayne Autism Center - North Side
12912 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Contact: Courtney Bierman, M.A., BCBA, 260-245-1455, infor@fwautismcenter.com
Website: https://www.biermanaba.com/fortwayne.html
Fort Wayne Autism Center – Parkview
3948 New Vision Drive, Suite D, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Contact: Laura Britton, 260-245-1455, infor@fwautismcenter.com
Website: https://www.biermanaba.com/fortwayne.html
Fort Wayne Autism Center – South Side
5750 Falls Drive, Suite 102, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Contact: Courtney Bierman, M.A., BCBA, 260-245-1455, infor@fwautismcenter.com
Website: https://www.biermanaba.com/fortwayne.html
Hopebridge
4422 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46815
Contact: Elizabeth Kindinger, 260-471-9263, webmaster@hopebridge.com
Website: https://www.hopebridge.com/
Maple Seed Farms, Inc.
101 West Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Contact: Amy Doran, Director of Operations, 260-489-1774, amy@mapleseedfarms.org
Website: https://www.mapleseedfarms.org/
Possibilities Northeast
2825 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Contact: Nancy Moore, 260-338-1241, nmoore@possibilitiesne.com
Website: www.possibilitiesne.com
Partners in Autism
3030 Lake Avenue, Suite 20, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Contact: Tommy Guest, 260-420-9332, contact@PartnersinAutism.com
Website: https://www.mapleseedfarms.org/
SpringHealth Behavioral Health and Integrated Care – Fort Wayne
4410 Executive Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Contact: RaShai Reynolds, 317-452-6279, rashai.reynolds@springhealthinc.com
Website: https://www.springhealthbehavioral.com/