Coordinating ABA, speech, and occupational therapy

What this guide covers

This guide is for families whose child sees, or has been referred to, separate providers. It does not describe speech or occupational therapy services at Training Wheels ABA. Whether any therapy is right for your child is a question for your child’s pediatrician and treating professionals. Please ask our intake team what coordination is possible before you plan around it.

Make a 1-page care team map

Start with a single page any provider could read in a minute. For each provider, note:

• Name, discipline, and the best way to reach them
• Session days and times
• The main things they are working on with your child
• The words, signs, pictures, or devices they use
• What helps your child settle, and what makes sessions harder
• Whether you have given written permission for them to talk with another provider

Keep 1 current copy, and share only what each person needs. Ask each organization what written permission it requires and its approved way to send reports or records.

Questions for every provider

1. What are the main things you are working on with my child now?
2. Which of these connect with what other providers are doing?
3. How do you prefer to hear from other providers, and how often is that realistic?
4. What written permission do you need before talking with someone else?
5. If my child uses a communication system, who keeps it consistent across settings?
6. What could the other teams do the same way, so my child gets a consistent response?
7. Does our insurance plan affect when these appointments can happen?

Listen for: a specific process. If you hear that a provider coordinates care, ask what that looks like in practice.

Where goals can overlap

Different professionals may work on the same part of your child’s day. Overlap can help when everyone is consistent. It can wear a child out when each adult expects something different. This table can help you find those places.

You do not need to find every overlap yourself. Bring your team map to the next appointment and ask which part of the day that provider would most like to coordinate.

When providers give different advice

Providers can see the same child differently, and a difference does not mean 1 of them is wrong. You should not have to settle it alone.

1. Write down the difference

   Note what each provider said and what you are seeing at home.

2. Ask for the reason

   Ask each provider what they are trying to help with and what they will watch for.

3. Ask them to talk

   With your written permission, ask whether the providers can speak with each other directly.

4. Include your pediatrician

   Start here for anything involving health, safety, or eating.

Watch your child too. If they seem more tired or reluctant across the week, tell each provider. Our schedule planning guide can help you see the whole week at once.