The importance of experience in ABA cannot be overstated. A team with deep knowledge and clinical expertise can significantly impact the quality of care and your child’s outcomes. At ZABA Therapy, we’ve built our organization on this foundation — one that includes BCBAs with over five years of experience and multiple doctoral-level experts.
We founded ZABA Therapy 12 years ago to provide families with access to experienced BCBAs from day one. Our founder’s mission was to make sure children didn’t need a parent with a doctorate to access high-quality autism services. He had access to top experts for evaluations and therapy — and wanted to ensure all families could receive the same support. This goal existed long before private equity agencies entered the field.
Dr. Zwicker, our founder, became a behavior analyst before the BCBA credential existed. He earned his doctorate from the University of Kansas, a key institution in the development of ABA. His unmatched training and decades of experience have shaped our team’s approach. There’s no substitute for years of hands-on practice, ongoing mentoring, and guidance from skilled BCBAs.
The Current Landscape of ABA Services
Today, nearly half of all BCBAs have fewer than five years of experience. While this growth helps reduce waitlists, it also means many children are served by clinicians still developing their skills. Fewer than 1% of BCBAs have over 20 years of experience.
Most new BCBAs lack access to experienced mentors — which slows down the development of advanced clinical skills. Even where mentors exist, they need time and support to provide meaningful guidance. This is where ZABA Therapy stands out.
The Advantage of Experience in ABA
We’re proud to offer a team unmatched in experience. One BCBA on our team has 25 years of experience, and we have two doctoral-level BCBA-Ds with over 25 years of post-doctorate work each. We believe we are the only agency in the country where doctoral-level BCBAs meet weekly with front-line supervisors to review treatment plans.
Here’s what this level of experience brings:
The Impact of Experience on Outcomes
Experience in ABA also leads to stronger long-term results:
- Better Communication Development: Our team improves both verbal and non-verbal skills through individualized teaching.
- Improved Developmental Progress: We adjust plans to focus on skills critical for growth.
- Child-Centered Learning: Our clinicians understand the full picture — home, school, and community — and build compassionate, engaging environments.
Doctoral-Level Expertise Matters
Having two doctoral-level BCBAs strengthens our services further:
Conclusion
The importance of experience in ABA is clear. Our highly trained, deeply experienced team delivers care that’s individualized, adaptable, and research-based. These qualities lead to stronger outcomes and greater success for your child.
When choosing an ABA provider, remember this: Experience drives results. With decades of hands-on knowledge, ZABA Therapy offers the highest standard of care — and your child deserves nothing less.