Data collection and session notes

In applied behavior analysis (ABA), data collection means the therapist records what happens in each session in a steady, measurable way. That might be how often a behavior happens, how long it lasts, how long it takes to start, or how many teaching tries went right. Your child's treatment plan should say which methods it uses. Your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) graphs the data to see whether each goal is being met. If it isn't, the BCBA changes the plan.

A session note is the written record of one session. It covers who gave the session, when and where, how long it lasted, which goals were worked on, what happened and how your child responded. Notes are part of your child's clinical record. Insurers and Medicaid also use them as the main proof that services were delivered. Each state, payer and employer sets what a note must include.

During a session, such as an in-home ABA session, the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) might count a behavior, time it or mark each try. The RBT then writes the note under the BCBA's supervision. Tell the team about illness, medicine or schedule changes. RBTs are expected to report these, since they can affect progress. You can also ask to see the graphs, which show how progress builds over time.

• Seeing the data: Ask your BCBA how often you'll see your child's progress graphs and who will explain them.
• What's measured: Ask your BCBA which data methods the plan uses for each goal.
• Notes and billing: Ask the billing team what your plan requires in a session note before it pays for a session.