Many children and young adults receive support from more than one place, such as school, a pediatrician, speech-language therapy, or occupational therapy. This guide explains how ABA services can coordinate with others while respecting your family's privacy and each provider's role.
How releases of information work
With your written permission, providers can share information with one another. A release of information typically states:
- Who may share information, and with whom
- What kind of information may be shared
- The purpose of sharing it
- When the permission ends
You decide what to share and with whom. You may limit a release, and you may revoke it in writing at any time for future sharing. Health information and school records are protected by privacy laws, and each organization follows its own procedures.
What ABA does and does not replace
ABA is one service among many. It does not replace:
- Your child's school or educational program
- Medical care from your child's doctors
- Speech-language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Mental health or other specialized services
Each provider works within their own professional scope. If a question falls outside ABA, the BCBA may suggest that you check with the appropriate professional.
How coordination usually works
With your permission, coordination may include sharing relevant updates, talking with other providers about consistent approaches, or, when invited and appropriate, attending a meeting. Each team member makes decisions within their own role. No provider directs another provider's services, and your family remains central to every decision.
When ABA services take place at school, they follow the school's policies and any agreements in place.
School meetings and IEPs
If you ask, and the school team agrees, the BCBA may share input for an IEP meeting. Decisions about an IEP, including services and placement, are made by the IEP team.
We cannot promise school placement, IEP outcomes, reduced support needs, or a particular transition result. What we can do is communicate clearly and coordinate respectfully with the people you choose to involve.
Questions you can ask
- What information would be helpful to share, and why?
- Who would receive it, and how will it be used?
- Can I limit or change what is shared later?
- Who should I talk to about questions outside of ABA?
- How will I be kept informed about any coordination?
Services, goals, and progress are individualized. Nothing in this guide guarantees a specific result, timeline, or authorization.