Search the BACB certificant registry for BCBAs practising in Ontario. Ask for references from other autism families. Confirm the BCBA has experience with your child's age group and specific needs.
The BCBA will observe your child and administer standardized assessments such as the VB-MAPP or ABLLS-R. This identifies your child's current skill levels and areas of need. The assessment typically takes 2-4 hours over one or two sessions.
Based on the assessment, the BCBA creates a written plan with specific goals. The plan outlines teaching procedures, reinforcement strategies, and how to handle challenging behaviours. Review the plan carefully and ask questions before starting.
Designate a quiet, low-distraction space in your home for therapy sessions. Organize materials such as visual schedules, reinforcers, and data sheets. The BCBA will advise on what supplies you need based on your child's goals.
The BCBA should provide hands-on training for parents and any other caregivers. Training covers prompting, reinforcement, and data collection methods. Consistent implementation across caregivers is essential for progress.
Begin therapy sessions according to the recommended schedule, typically 10-25 hours per week. Collect data on each target during every session. The BCBA should review data and update the program at least monthly.
Behaviour Analyst Certification Board
BACB certificant registry and practice guidelines (bacb.com)
Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis
Standards of practice for ABA service delivery in Ontario (ontaba.org)
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) delivered to children aged 18–30 months produced significant gains in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism severity — some children no longer met diagnostic criteria at follow-up
Cochrane systematic review finds evidence that early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with ASD (low certainty of evidence)
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four