Being a new parent to autism and ABA is hard these days.
It was hard 9 years ago but our choices were limited. Today, there are many options and ABA has become very political and divided within it's profession, with good procedures being named and "camps" being established for which procedures professionals think are the best. (I do not believe in "camps" just good procedures)
So for new parents, I offer this help:
Choosing a consultant:
Interview several. Find out how they introduce new programs to beginning learners. Always ask for explanations and reasons for why they will start the home progam in that manner
Ask the consultant to explain their outlook on the future of the children. Some strive to recovery, others may deny it exists. I say to you that you need to agree on what your goals are in this area.
How often will your consultant come? The more the better. You need to see your consultant often. And more than likely, your team will need training. All the better if your consultant will take responsibility for this as well.
Look for an Autism consultant that studies your child. No home program should be cookie cutter. Children start in different places, with different programming being appropriate. The early learner must be studied.
Finally, your Autism consultant should encourage questions from you, specifically the question "why". You want your consultant to be able to answer why they are implementing a certain procedure with your child. Not only to you want them to be able to answer "why" you want them to encourage your asking questions (respectfully of course)
Of course, I`ve only outlined some things to ask your consultant here. Next time, I`ll write about interviewing therapists. One final piece of advice today...find parents to support you. We need to know we are not alone.
My heart is with you,
Katherine Lee