As a locally owned and operated ABA therapy provider serving families across Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties for the past four years, we at Kuska Autism Services understand the overwhelming nature of selecting the right ABA provider for your child. More than 20 studies have established that intensive and long-term therapy using ABA principles improves outcomes for many but not all children with autism, making provider selection essential for achieving optimal results.
Our owner, James Stubbs, has witnessed how the right provider-family partnership transforms lives. At our Draper and Bountiful clinics and through our in-home services, we’ve helped countless families navigate this critical decision. Here are the ten essential questions we encourage every family to ask potential ABA providers in Utah.
1. What Credentials and Experience Does Your Team Hold?
At Kuska Autism Services, we believe transparency about credentials builds trust from day one. Our team includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who design and oversee all treatment plans, working alongside Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who provide direct therapy services.
Essential certifications to verify:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentials for clinical oversight
- Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) status in Utah for regulatory compliance
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification for direct service staff
We’re proud members of the Utah Association of Community Services and maintain partnerships that keep our team current on the latest evidence-based practices. When evaluating any provider, ask about their years of experience specifically with autism spectrum disorders and request references from families with children similar to yours.
2. How Do You Develop Individualized Treatment Plans?
Every family’s journey with autism is different, which is why we offer a wide range of services customized to meet each family’s specific needs. Our comprehensive assessment process incorporates parent priorities, environmental factors, and your child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Our treatment planning approach includes:
- Comprehensive initial assessments conducted in comfortable home environments or clinic settings based on parental preference
- Collaborative goal-setting that reflects family values and priorities
- Evidence-based interventions tailored to individual learning styles
- We have a robust collection of assessments so we can pick the assessment that aligns with client needs and parent values
- Regular treatment plan reviews and adjustments based on progress data with parents and stakeholders
We avoid cookie-cutter approaches because we understand that what works for one child may not work for another. Ask potential providers to explain their assessment process and how they ensure treatment plans reflect your child’s individual needs rather than generic programming.
3. What ABA Methodologies and Approaches Do You Use?
Modern ABA has evolved significantly from historical approaches, emphasizing positive reinforcement, family collaboration, and community integration. We prioritize regulation and assent-based services. At Kuska Autism Services, we utilize a blend of evidence-based techniques designed to develop communication, social skills, and independence.
Our evidence-based methodologies include:
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET) for skill generalization across settings
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT) for structured skill acquisition
- Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) to increase motivation and responsiveness
- Positive Behavior Support (PBS) for comprehensive behavior management
- Community-based instruction for real-world skill application
Our approach goes beyond traditional clinic-based therapy. Ask providers about their flexibility in adapting methodologies and whether they offer community-based instruction opportunities.
4. How Do You Measure and Track Progress?
ABA therapy’s foundation rests on systematic data collection and analysis. At Kuska Autism Services, our BCBAs and RBTs collect data during each therapy session, enabling us to make informed decisions about treatment adjustments and celebrate meaningful progress.
Our progress measurement system includes:
- Baseline assessments establishing current skill levels across domains
- SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Daily data collection during all therapy interactions
- Weekly progress reviews and monthly comprehensive reports
- Visual progress summaries that families can easily understand
We believe in transparent communication about your child’s advancement. During our monthly or twice-monthly meetings, we share data trends, discuss challenges, and collaboratively adjust goals as your child develops new skills. Any quality provider should be able to show you exactly how they track progress and involve you in interpreting that data.
5. How Will You Involve Our Family in the Treatment Process?
Successful ABA outcomes require active family participation. At Kuska Autism Services, we view parents as essential team members, not passive observers of their child’s therapy. Our cooperative approach with parents ensures skills generalize beyond therapy sessions into daily family life.
Our family involvement includes:
- Initial assessments that incorporate your insights and priorities
- Regular parent training/coaching sessions on implementing ABA techniques at home
- Collaborative treatment planning that reflects family values and goals
- Ongoing consultation about generalizing skills across environments
- Communication strategies that fit your family’s preferences and schedule
We also coordinate with schools, other therapists, and community programs to ensure consistent approaches across all settings. Ask potential providers about their parent training/coaching offerings and how they support skill generalization beyond therapy sessions.
6. What Are Your Service Locations and Delivery Options?
Geography and service delivery flexibility significantly impact treatment accessibility and effectiveness. Kuska Autism Services offers multiple service options designed to meet diverse family needs across our coverage areas.
Our service delivery options include:
- Clinic-based services at our welcoming Bountiful and Draper locations
- In-home therapy throughout Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties
- Community-based instruction in natural environments
- Hybrid approaches combining clinic and home services
Our Bountiful clinic features engaging spaces designed for learning and growth, including our popular “Whimsical Wednesday” craft activities that combine skill development with creative expression. We also recognize that some families prefer the comfort and convenience of home-based services, where children can practice skills in their natural environment.
7. What Insurance Plans Do You Accept and How Do You Handle Coverage?
Navigating insurance coverage for ABA services can be complex. At Kuska Autism Services, we’re paneled with several major insurance providers and actively work to expand our network. We also accept out-of-network and private pay options to ensure families can access needed services.
Our insurance and payment options:
- Multiple major insurance plans with active network expansion
- Out-of-network benefit utilization assistance
- Private pay options with flexible payment arrangements
- Insurance authorization support and advocacy
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
We help families understand their specific benefits and work with insurance companies to maximize covered services. Currently, we have no waitlist at our Bountiful clinic, allowing families to begin services promptly once insurance authorization is complete.
8. How Do You Ensure Consistency and Quality in Service Delivery?
High-quality ABA requires consistent implementation across all therapy sessions and staff members. Our approach emphasizes training, supervision, and ongoing quality assurance to ensure your child receives excellent care regardless of which team member is providing services.
Our quality assurance measures include:
- Comprehensive staff training on our collaborative approach
- Regular BCBA supervision of all direct service staff
- Consistent data collection and progress monitoring protocols
- Ongoing professional development, continuing education, and specialized autism training
- Family feedback incorporation into service improvement
We maintain low staff turnover through competitive compensation and supportive work environments, ensuring your child builds lasting relationships with consistent therapy providers. Ask potential providers about their staff retention rates and supervision structures.
9. How Do You Address Challenging Behaviors and Crisis Situations?
Behavioral challenges are often a primary concern for families seeking ABA services. Our approach emphasizes understanding the function of behaviors and teaching appropriate alternatives rather than simply eliminating challenging behaviors.
Our behavior support approach includes:
- Functional Behavior Assessments to understand behavior purposes
- Positive behavior support plans emphasizing skill-building
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation strategies
- Parent training/coaching on managing challenging behaviors at home
- Collaboration with schools and other providers for consistency
We never use punishment-based interventions or aversive techniques. Instead, we focus on creating environments where appropriate behaviors are more successful than challenging ones. Any quality provider should explain their philosophy on behavior support and ensure their approach aligns with current best practices.
10. What Does Success Look Like and When Should Services End?
Understanding how providers define success and plan for service transitions helps families set realistic expectations and prepare for your child’s future. At Kuska Autism Services, we focus on building skills that promote lifelong independence and community integration.
Our success indicators include:
- Mastery of functional communication skills appropriate to developmental level
- Increased independence in daily living activities and self-care
- Improved social interaction and relationship-building abilities
- Successful participation in community activities and settings
- Family confidence in supporting continued skill development
We believe in preparing families for success beyond formal ABA services. Our goal is to equip both children and families with the tools needed for continued growth and development long after therapy ends.
Making Your Decision: The Kuska Difference
At Kuska Autism Services, we understand that choosing an ABA provider is about more than credentials and methodologies—it’s about finding a team that truly understands your family’s unique needs and supports your vision for your child’s future. Our locally owned status allows us the flexibility to adapt services based on community needs while maintaining the personal touch that larger organizations often lack.
We encourage families to visit our Bountiful or Draper clinics, observe our approach, and meet our team before making their decision. The moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the warmth and commitment that sets us apart from other providers.
To learn more about our services:
- Visit us at kuska.co
- Call us at (801) 980-7970
- Email us at info@kuska.co
- Visit our Bountiful clinic at 95 E 2200 S, Bountiful, UT 84010
The investment in thorough provider research pays dividends in your child’s long-term development and your family’s satisfaction with ABA services. We’re here to support you through this important decision-making process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Kuska Autism Services different from other ABA providers in Utah?
A: As a locally owned and operated practice, we offer personalized attention that larger organizations often can’t provide. Our collaborative approach involves parents as true partners, and we combine clinic-based services with in-home and community-based instruction. Our “no waitlist” approach at our Bountiful clinic means families can begin services promptly.
Q: Do you accept my insurance, and what if my plan doesn’t cover ABA services?
A: We’re paneled with several major insurance providers and actively expanding our network. We also accept out-of-network benefits and private pay options. Our team helps families navigate insurance authorization and maximizes available benefits. Since autism coverage is required in Utah, most plans provide some ABA benefits, though coverage details vary. We’ll conduct a benefits verification to clarify your specific coverage before services begin.
Q: What can I expect during the initial assessment at Kuska Autism Services?
A: Our comprehensive assessments can be conducted in your home where your child feels most comfortable or in a clinic setting if preferred, typically lasting about four hours. Our BCBA first meets with parents to understand family priorities and goals, then engages with your child through play-based activities to evaluate their responses to instructions and environmental changes. Parents are encouraged to participate throughout the process, and we conclude by reviewing findings and providing service recommendations tailored to your child’s needs.
Q: How do you support skill transfer beyond therapy sessions?
A: Skill transfer—helping your child use new abilities in different places and situations—is central to our approach. We offer parent training/coaching to help families implement ABA techniques at home, coordinate with schools and other therapists for consistency, and provide community-based instruction where children practice skills in real-world settings. Our collaborative approach ensures skills transfer across all environments where your child spends time.
Q: What should I expect from the parent training/coaching and family involvement aspects?
A: Family involvement is essential to our success. We provide regular parent training/coaching sessions teaching you how to implement ABA strategies at home, offer ongoing consultation about skill transfer, and collaborate on treatment planning that reflects your family values. We also coordinate with your child’s school and other service providers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals using consistent approaches. Our communication style adapts to your preferences, whether you prefer frequent updates or regularly scheduled meetings.