Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a type of behavioral therapy that studies a person’s behavior in natural environments to determine why specific actions are occurring and using interventions to increase desired behaviors. ABA is used to treat conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety. It can help children improve social, emotional, and academic skills and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning. However, I have learned that many parents who have sought ABA services for their child have faced problems with schools refusing to allow privately hired professionals into the classroom to provide these services. These decisions by schools hinder essential treatment efforts and limit a child’s academic and social development.
 
My legislation would amend the Public School Code to ensure that private-pay ABA providers are able to provide services to students at school. Schools would be required to provide the accommodations needed for students to receive private ABA services and could not place barriers or hinder private providers from providing services that are aligned with the student’s needs. The legislation would provide parental and student protections against retaliation for requesting these accommodations. To ensure student protection, my bill would require that ABA technicians undergo all necessary background checks to work in a school. By establishing these standards, students who need ABA services will receive more successful and consistent treatment that will help them achieve model behaviors and succeed in school.
 
Please join me in supporting this legislation that will remove barriers to students receiving essential ABA services at school.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1249: P.L.30, No.14