[MMiller]

I was the GM for an ABA company here in NM before I retired. We solely worked with kids on the Autism spectrum, some very young up through late teens. The BCBA's and RBT's worked wonders with a lot of those kids. Of course, some of it has to do on where they fall on the spectrum. The younger they get help the better chance they have to make a real difference in their lives.

We worked in clients homes, some had service in their school to help the kids socialize better. We also had a center where kids would come for either a 1/2 day or full day. Some families find the center model most helpful as it got the kids out of the house and around other kids, also nice for the parents as they would get a "break" during the day.

If you choose to work with an ABA company, look for a smaller locally owned company with in house BCBA's. Private equity has caught wind of ABA and like they always do started honing the bottom line. Their BCBA's will probably be via telehealth and live in another state. This does not provide the same level of care as having BCBA's on site. Insurance requires certain minimum hours of oversite by BCBA's with the kids and the RBT's. When I left the business there was a shortage of BCBA's hence the need for telehealth when worrying about the bottom line first. I think the BCBA situation has improved however. The job pays well and I don't think AI can replicate it.

Best to all, they are really wonderful kids but do come with various challenges. I found it to be a very rewarding job. Their success would bring big smiles to the kids, their parents and our staff.