Questions to Ask Potential Intervention Providers

The following questions, developed from the guideline recommendations on intervention, may be helpful when interviewing potential treatment providers.

1. What kinds of intervention, therapy, and services do you provide?
   
2. Do you have a particular philosophy working with children like my child?
   
3. How many hours per week do these services require, and how much of this is one-to-one time with my child?
   
4. Please describe a typical day or session.
   
5. What experiences do the therapists have in working with the children like my child?
   
6. What experiences does the person who supervises the program have? How closely does the program supervisor work with the therapists, teachers, and parents?
7. What kinds of ongoing training does your staff participate in?
   
8. Are parents involved with planning as part of the intervention team?
   
9. Do you provide a parent training program?
   
10. How much and what kinds of involvement are expected of parents and family members?
    
11. Are parents welcome to participate in or observe therapy and/or group sessions?
12. What techniques do you use to manage difficult behaviors?
13. Please describe your program for communication and language development. Do you use a picture communication system, sign language, other kinds of communication systems, or all of these?
14. Are there opportunities for integration with typical and/or higher functioning children?
15. How do you evaluate the child’s progress, and how often?
16. How do you keep parents informed of the child’s progress?
17. What certifications or licenses do you hold that ensure your training and background?