The dates in the graph above represent the year that the surveys were collected; every January parents are asked to rate the services that their children received during the previous 12 months.

This measure is important because it shows the percentage of parents or caregivers who when asked to finish the statement “My child’s problem behaviors (for example: screaming, aggression) are” responded they have become “much better than before Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services” or “resolved”. 

This question is part of an annual ABA parent/caregiver survey that is sent to all members receiving VT Medicaid funded ABA treatment services.  Parents may write in additional comments if desired.  

The decrease in rate between 2019 and 2021 has been analyzed by staff and no causal relationship can be found.  The continued lower rate in 2021 may in part be attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The public health emergency resulted in a dramatic change in the delivery of treatment services during a large portion of 2020.  Most, if not all, ABA providers switched to a telehealth model.  This impacted how parents/caregivers interacted with staff, how they acquired novel treatment techniques, and the level of support they were given in implementing the novel techniques in the home.  While telehealth is still currently offered, most providers have resumed in-person treatment.  This may explain the brief upward trendline in 2022 though no causal relationship can be found speak to the dip in satisfaction rates in 2023.

Last Updated:  08/21/23

• DVHA Policy Unit
• ABA Consumers