Preparing for an ABA clinic visit

A visit lets you see how a clinic treats children, beyond what you hear on the phone. Use this checklist to plan the visit and decide whether your child should come.

Start an application Call (737) 214-9205

Take this with you

Print a copy for each clinic you see, and take notes as you go.

Before you go

Start with a call. To ask about seeing 1 of our open clinics, call (737) 214-9205. With any provider, these details are worth settling before you drive over.

Who you will meet, and whether they can answer questions about care
Whether sessions will be happening, and what you can see while other children’s privacy is protected
Whether your child is welcome, and what would make that easier
Where to park, which door to use, and how long to plan for

Our open clinics are in South Austin, Pflugerville, and Dripping Springs. Our Southeast Austin clinic is opening in November 2026 and is not open yet.

Should your child come?

There is no single right answer. Some families go alone first so they can talk freely. Others learn more by seeing how their child responds to the space. You know what new places are like for your child.

Situations to weigh when deciding whether your child comes along
If	You might
New places are very hard right now	Go alone first, and ask how a later visit could be made easier for your child.
You want to talk openly about worries	Go alone, or bring another adult who can stay with your child.
Your child enjoys exploring	Bring them, along with a comfort item or snack if those help.
Your child tires quickly	Ask for the time of day that usually goes best, and plan how you will leave early.

If your child comes, let them set the pace. They do not need to greet anyone, join an activity, or show what they can do. Leaving early is always fine.

What to notice in the room

Pay more attention to how people treat children than to how the furniture looks. You may not see everything on 1 visit, so turn any gaps into questions.

Comfort. Are children able to move, take a break, or show that they do not want something?
Communication. Do staff respond to gestures, pictures, signs, devices, and words?
Play. Do you see children’s interests being used during their work?
Tone. Do adults speak kindly to children, and about children who are nearby?
Space. Is there room to move? How might your child handle the noise, light, and activity?
Comings and goings. How do drop-off, pickup, and the doors seem to work?

What to ask while you are there

Who would design and supervise my child’s plan, and can I meet them?
What would my child’s first days here look like?
What happens when a child says no or needs a break?
How would I hear about an ordinary day, and who do I contact with a concern?
Can I visit or observe after my child starts, and how does that work?
What is open at this clinic now, and what could change that answer?

Our question guide has a longer list if you want to compare providers side by side.

Write it down the same day

Details blur quickly, especially if you see more than 1 clinic. Before the day ends, write down:

What your child did, or what you think they would have done
When you felt most at ease, and when you felt least at ease
Any answer that seemed vague
Questions you forgot to ask
Who you spoke with, and what they said happens next

A good visit does not confirm coverage or an opening, so ask about both directly. Our guide to choosing a provider can help you weigh your notes when no option has everything.

Would you like to see a clinic?

Call to ask about visiting a clinic. You can also start an application at any time.