Abacus | What is SAPD

The following are suggested guidelines for qualifications for each function – Supervise, Assess, Plan, and Do. These guidelines are not intended to correspond with requirements for government funded services. For example: A provider who lists as a “supervisor” on ABACUS may or may not have the same qualifications as a “clinical supervisor” in the Autism Intervention Program funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

These guidelines were developed by the ABACUS Advisory Committee to provide parents with a description of the relevant training, skills and experience for each function and to help them make an informed decision when hiring a provider.

Please note: Related study may include a variety of undergraduate and college level programs in Social Sciences such as Psychology, Education, Autism and Behavioural Science, Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Work, and Disability Studies.

	The ABA Provider can supervise treatment programs A professional in this role should have graduate-level training (doctoral or masters degree) and be a member of a health regulated profession (i.e., Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology) with demonstrated experience and supervision in ABA. Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBA) would also be qualified to supervise programs.
	The ABA Provider can perform comprehensive behaviour assessments for severe problem behaviours A professional in this role should have a minimum of an undergraduate degree/diploma in ABA and/or related study with substantial experience (e.g. at least 5 years) under the supervision of a professional who meets the criteria to “Supervise”. Board Certified Associate Behaviour Analysts (BCABA) with several years of supervised experience would also be qualified to provide assessments.
	The ABA Provider can design behaviour intervention plans A professional in this role should have a minimum of an undergraduate degree/diploma in ABA and/or related study with substantial experience (e.g. at least 5 years) under the supervision of a professional who meets the criteria to “Supervise”. Board Certified Associate Behaviour Analysts (BCABA) with several years of supervised experience would also be qualified to provide treatment planning.
	The ABA Provider can provide direct, one-on-one support/care This is an entry-level position. A professional working full-time in this role typically has an undergraduate degree/diploma in ABA and/or related post secondary education and works under the supervision of a professional meeting the criteria of S, P, or A. Students pursuing studies in Social Sciences with an interest working with individuals with ASD may also qualify for “Do” on condition that they work under the supervision of a professional meeting the criteria of S, P, or A.

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