What to Look for in an ABA Therapist

Finding the right ABA therapist can make a lasting difference in your child’s development. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches to helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve communication, behavior, and daily living skills. But not all ABA therapists are the same.

At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, high-quality ABA therapy starts with skilled, compassionate providers who understand the unique needs of each child and family. This guide will help you know what to look for in an ABA therapist so you can feel confident in your decision.

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Why Choosing the Right ABA Therapist Matters

ABA therapy is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. It is a highly individualized process that requires collaboration, trust, and expertise. The therapist working with your child plays a key role in setting the tone for each session, tracking progress, and guiding long-term development.

The right therapist can:

  • Build a trusting, motivating relationship with your child
  • Create and implement effective behavior support plans.
  • Communicate clearly with parents and caregivers.
  • Adapt to your child’s changing needs over time.

A strong therapeutic relationship supports consistency and engagement, both of which are essential for meaningful progress.

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Core Qualifications to Look For

When beginning your search, start with the essentials. Professional credentials and experience are the foundation of quality ABA services.

Certification and Credentials

Always verify that the therapist has appropriate credentials. There are different roles in ABA therapy, each with specific qualifications:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): A BCBA holds a master’s degree or higher and is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). They are responsible for designing treatment plans, analyzing data, and supervising other team members.
  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA): A BCaBA holds a bachelor’s degree and works under the supervision of a BCBA.
  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT): An RBT is certified to provide direct therapy under the supervision of a BCBA. RBTs work one-on-one with your child during sessions.

Ensure all professionals are licensed or credentialed in your state.

Experience with Autism and Developmental Delays

Ask whether the therapist has experience working with children on the autism spectrum, particularly those in your child’s age range. A therapist who understands the nuances of ASD will be better equipped to:

  • Recognize individual strengths and challenges.
  • Support emotional regulation and social skills.
  • Adjust teaching strategies based on behavior patterns.

Experience working with nonverbal children, sensory sensitivities, or co-occurring conditions like ADHD is also valuable.

Training in Evidence-Based Practices

ABA therapy is rooted in science, but its application requires ongoing education. Look for therapists who:

  • Stay current with best practices in reinforcement, prompting, and behavior shaping.
  • Use data collection tools to measure progress.
  • Know how to adapt techniques for home, school, or community settings.

Personal Qualities That Make a Difference

Credentials and experience are only part of the equation. The most effective ABA therapists bring warmth, patience, and creativity into every session.

Patience and Empathy

ABA therapy often involves repetition and slow, steady progress. A patient therapist who remains calm and encouraging can help your child stay engaged even during challenging moments. Empathy is essential when building trust and reducing anxiety.

Strong Communication Skills

Clear communication is essential. The therapist should be able to explain:

  • What they are doing and why
  • How goals are being measured
  • What can parents do to reinforce skills at home?

You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving honest, thoughtful answers. Therapists who involve parents in the treatment process help create consistency across settings.

Adaptability and Creativity

Children with autism learn in different ways. A good therapist will tailor their methods to fit your child’s learning style. This might mean using music, games, visuals, or hands-on activities to teach new skills.

The ability to shift strategies in real time is essential when a child becomes overwhelmed or disengaged. A flexible therapist knows how to pivot while keeping the session productive.

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Red Flags to Avoid

While most ABA professionals are dedicated and qualified, there are signs that a provider may not be the right fit. Be cautious of:

  • Lack of transparency about credentials or treatment methods
  • Minimal or inconsistent communication with parents
  • Overly rigid programs that do not consider your child’s preferences
  • No data collection or progress tracking
  • High staff turnover or limited supervision

ABA therapy should feel like a team effort. If something feels off or your concerns are not being addressed, it may be time to explore other options.

What to Observe During a Session

Observe a session before committing. Pay attention to:

  • How the therapist interacts with your child (tone, responsiveness, body language)
  • Whether reinforcement is used consistently and appropriately
  • How transitions between tasks are handled
  • How your child responds emotionally and behaviorally

Even if the therapist is qualified on paper, the connection they build with your child is what drives learning and development.

How Cardinal Pediatric Therapies Approaches ABA Therapy

At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, we take a whole-child, whole-family approach to ABA therapy. Our team includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and supporting specialists who work together to deliver personalized care.

We believe the best therapy happens when:

  • Treatment plans are customized to meet each child’s strengths and needs
  • Families are actively involved in the learning process.
  • Collaboration with speech and occupational therapists is encouraged when needed.
  • Sessions are engaging, structured, and built around the child’s interests.

We offer in-home and in-clinic ABA therapy services in Arizona and North Carolina, ensuring flexibility for families at every stage of the journey.

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Getting Started With Cardinal ABA Therapy

Knowing what to look for in an ABA therapist can help you make informed decisions and set your child up for long-term success. Look for a provider who offers not only the proper credentials and clinical skills but also empathy, creativity, and strong communication.

Choosing the right therapist is more than checking boxes—it is about finding someone who understands your child, values your family, and believes in your child’s potential.

Suppose you are seeking ABA therapy in Arizona or North Carolina. In that case, we invite you to reach out to Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and create a supportive, personalized experience that helps your child thrive.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family move forward with confidence.

About the Author

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Dr. Mike Henderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

Regional Operations Director

North Carolina

Mike Henderson, PhD, LBA, BCBA-D, is the Regional Operations Director at Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. With over two decades of experience in behavior analysis and organizational leadership, he focuses on mentoring teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence in client care. Mike believes strong leadership and supportive systems are essential for helping clients, families, and providers succeed together.

Felicia Freeman

Clinic Manager

I am Felicia Freeman, the Clinic Manager for Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. I have been in ABA for several years now and am passionate about the community that we serve. I started out as an RBT, decided to go the administrative route, and worked my way up to managing clinics. I choose this field every day because I enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and building strong teams that change lives.

Amanda Dean, MA, BCBA, LBA

Johnston County, NC

Amanda graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018 with her Masters in Psychology. She proceeded to complete her graduate certificate in ABA and became a BCBA in November 2020. Amanda has a passion for behavior reduction, tolerance training and functional communication training. She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her 3 children and husband. When she’s not working, Amanda is very involved in her local Pop Warner Cheerleading program where she is the Assistant Cheer Director and a head coach.

Becky Fronheiser

Operations Director

Arizona

Becky has worked in behavioral health for 7 years. She joined Cardinal in the spring of 2024.  Becky is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people and looks forward to supporting families with their specific ABA needs.  In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 6 kids and 4 grandkids and loves to travel and relax on the beach.

Matthew Wilkinson

Operations Director

Cary, NC

Matthew holds a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has worked in the pediatric field for the majority of his professional life and has a passion for helping bring the best care to children in need. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and day trips to the coast.

 

Trisha Iannotta Bieszczad, PsyD., BCBA

Triad, NC

Trisha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive expertise since 2016 in applying behavior analytic principles to improve the lives of children and adolescents. Her professional journey began with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, emphasizing child and adolescent development. This foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of psychological theories and practices, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a BCBA. Outside of her professional endeavors, Trisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her family & trying out new restaurants. Trisha’s dedication to both her career and personal interests reflects her commitment to continual growth and enrichment, both professionally and personally. Her multifaceted background allows her to approach each aspect of her life with a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for learning and exploration.

Tina Lee

Director of Finance

Tina Lee is the Finance Director for Cardinal with a variety of experience in the Healthcare Industry for over 13 years. She is compassionate and always eager to assist where she can. In the ever-changing Healthcare environment, Tina has played a vital role in putting processes in place to obtain high efficiency outcomes to help our clients get the care they need. Tina enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

William Evans

Director of Outreach and Recruitment

William is a UNCW Graduate who started his professional career working in Marketing and Recruiting for a local technology company before looking for an opportunity to take those skills and help others. In his spare time he plays hockey, including annually for the North Carolina Autism Hockey Tournament, which is dedicated to the raising money and awareness for organizations helping local families with children diagnosed with autism.

Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA, LBA

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way!  Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.  Alice‘s professional experience began with ABA in a school setting, and has worked in schools, homes, and clinics throughout the years while enjoying collaboration with related providers.  In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, exploring parks with her dog, Oliver, and trying new restaurants. 

Darrin Miller

CEO

Darrin has dedicated his education and career to the field of behavioral health. As a licensed therapist and master’s in clinical counseling he works to create solutions that improve the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder at a local, state, and national level. He strives to create a culture of caring and empathy while innovating solutions for improving families’ access to quality care as quickly as possible.