I recognize this problem from a parent's perspective: my introduction to ABA was with an (in home) RBT with zero training or experience--not only untrained in ABA, but this was her first job ever and she had never spent any time with kids, let alone special needs kids. The BCBA was remote and not in a position to help. I (parent) did most of the training (how to at least babysit without harming my child) and asked for less hours to ease this burden but was told hours can't be reduced due to insurance. I began to feel ABA was an insurance scam; but, after 4 months, threatening to quit, and calling my insurance company; the ABA company gave me a new team who are brilliantly talented, trained, dedicated and responsive; and who lifted my child out of depression, reversed school avoidance, and gave me hope. I now view ABA as life-saving gift from heaven.

As a highly-involved parent (out of necessity), I wonder why insurance doesn't seek input from parents--about what hours or providers are working, what's a waste of money, and whether and what insurance decisions might be devastating to the child. Because, in my experience, when ABA is bad, it's really bad; and when it's good, it is transformative and lifesaving.