Question 1

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

Accepted Answer

ABA is an evidence-based therapy that uses the science of learning and behaviour to teach functional skills, support communication, and address challenging behaviours through respectful, structured intervention. Modern ABA focuses on building skills and improving quality of life, not on suppressing behaviour. At ABLE UK, every ABA programme is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Question 2

Is ABA still considered ethical and effective?

Accepted Answer

ABA is the most extensively researched intervention for autism and has decades of evidence behind it. It is also a field that has changed significantly. Older compliance-based ABA has been widely criticised, including by autistic adults who experienced it as children, and the field has responded. The current standard, which is what we practise, is assent-based, skill-focused, family-centred, and governed by the 2022 BACB Ethics Code.

Question 3

Who is ABA suitable for?

Accepted Answer

ABA is most commonly used with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, but it is also appropriate for children with developmental delays, ADHD where significant skill gaps exist, Down Syndrome, social communication difficulties, and certain challenging behaviours that have not responded to other approaches. We assess each child individually and will tell you honestly if ABA is not the best fit.

Question 4

What is the difference between a BCBA, BCaBA and RBT?

Accepted Answer

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) holds a Master's-level qualification, completes supervised fieldwork, and passes the international BACB examination. BCBAs design and supervise programmes. A BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) holds a Bachelor's-level certification and works to an expanded scope under BCBA supervision. An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) completes a 40-hour BACB-mandated training and delivers direct sessions under continuous oversight. Programmes that lack a BCBA are not properly credentialed ABA.

Question 5

How many hours of ABA per week does my child need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the diagnosis, severity, age, and the goals of the programme. Younger children with significant needs may benefit from intensive programmes of 20 to 30 hours per week. Older children, or those targeting specific skills, may do well on 5 to 15 hours per week. School-shadowing and parent-training programmes layer on top of direct hours. Your BCBA will recommend a specific schedule after the assessment, and we re-evaluate it every quarter.

Question 6

Do you offer home-based ABA and school shadowing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deliver ABA in four formats: 1:1 clinic-based, home-based, school shadowing with embedded behaviour therapists, and structured parent training. Most children use two or three formats simultaneously. The BCBA coordinates across all settings to keep goals consistent.

Question 7

Is ABA covered by insurance in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Several UAE insurance providers cover ABA when it is medically recommended. Coverage depends on your specific plan, the diagnosis, and the recommended hours. Pre-authorisation is usually required. Call us on 04 552 0351 with your insurance details and we will check eligibility and help you navigate the approval process before your child starts a programme.

Question 8

How do you ensure ABA is delivered respectfully and ethically?

Accepted Answer

Five ways. First, every programme is BCBA-led and governed by the 2022 BACB Ethics Code. Second, we work on assent: your child's ongoing agreement to participate is tracked and respected. Third, goals are chosen with families, not imposed. Fourth, we never use punishment, restraint as a teaching tool, or compliance-based methods that override a child's signals. Fifth, parents are full partners with full visibility into the programme, the data, and the decision-making.