All professionals, as you likely know, have their own unique personalities and ways of doing things. You want to find someone who not only seems dedicated to their job but is friendly and communicative with both you and your child. Here are some other important qualities in an ABA therapist:
Personality – your therapist could be the most educated in the State, but if she/he doesn’t know how to communicate and engage with you and your child, it’s likely not an optimal pairing
Experience – this is one of those fields where experience matters. A knowledge of how to interact and engage with children with Autism is imperative and sometimes only comes with experience on the job. Keep in mind, experience doesn’t just mean on the job. The therapist could be the parent or sibling of a child with Autism and therefore, offer a unique perspective on working with children who have ASD.
Work ethic- this may not have been the first thought in your head, but we can promise it’s an essential quality of a good ABA therapist! Try to observe small details early- like if he/she arrived at your home with a bag of their own toys and supplies ready to go. Or if they rush into the session, just about to be late, or if they’re there waiting for you when you get to the center. These details matter because it demonstrates their commitment to their job and ultimately, their commitment to your child’s progress.
Like most concepts relating to your child, when you know, you know. Go with your “mom (or dad) instinct” and if you don’t feel as though the relationship will work, ask to meet someone else or look at another center. The critical, sometimes overlooked influence on your child’s progress is often their relationship with their therapist.