In recent weeks, multiple news outlets have reported the arrest of a behavioral therapist accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old autistic boy during an in-home session. According to prosecutors and news reports, the abuse was discovered by the child’s father, who reportedly walked in during the session and immediately called law enforcement. The therapist is now facing serious criminal charges.
These heartbreaking stories (see sources below) are a stark reminder: when trust is broken, the harm goes far beyond one family. It shakes the foundation of the entire ABA field, undermines parent confidence, and makes it that much harder for...
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ethical, dedicated providers to support families in need.
The Impact on Families and the ABA Community
For the affected family, no words can capture the violation of trust and safety. For every parent who welcomes a therapist into their home, stories like this bring real fear and uncertainty. For ABA providers—especially those running ethical, transparent businesses—these headlines are infuriating and devastating.
But looking away is not an option. The only responsible path is to face these realities head-on, learn from them, and do everything possible to make abuse impossible in our field.
Safeguards: What Ethical ABA Providers Must Do
While the majority of ABA professionals are deeply committed to their clients’ well-being, these cases highlight how important it is to have multiple layers of safeguards in place. Here’s what every ABA business and clinician should be doing:
- Comprehensive background checks: Before hiring, verify credentials, run state and federal background checks, and repeat screenings regularly.
- Supervision and transparency: Encourage (or require) parent or caregiver presence during sessions whenever possible. Random in-person or virtual check-ins by supervisors can further reduce risk.
- Mandatory reporting: All staff must know how to recognize and report abuse. Have clear reporting protocols and training for every team member.
- Two-adult policies: Whenever possible, avoid one-on-one unsupervised situations—especially with minors or vulnerable individuals.
- Parent training: Teach families their rights, the structure of sessions, and warning signs to watch for. Empower them to speak up if anything feels off.
- Feedback and communication: Create systems where parents and staff can safely report concerns, anonymously if needed. Take all concerns seriously and act immediately.
Recommendations for Providers
- Review and strengthen your hiring and supervision policies.
- Regularly train staff on ethics, boundaries, and reporting procedures.
- Openly communicate with families about safeguards and their right to observe or participate in sessions.
- Partner with parents and caregivers—transparency builds trust.
- If a concern or allegation is raised, respond immediately, report as required, and cooperate fully with authorities.
For Families
- Ask about background checks, supervision, and reporting policies.
- Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, speak up.
- Stay engaged in sessions and check in regularly with your child and their therapist.
Facing the Hard Truths
Stories like these are horrifying—but ignoring them only increases risk. Every ABA provider, no matter how large or small, has a duty to foster a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability.
It’s not enough to say “that could never happen here.” The only way to rebuild trust is through action: stronger systems, ongoing training, open dialogue, and a relentless focus on the safety and dignity of every client.
Sources
- WDBJ7 – Behavioral therapist caught by father sexually abusing autistic child, prosecutors say
- People – Therapist accused of molesting 14-year-old boy with autism during in-home session
- Orange County DA – In-home behavioral therapist charged with molesting autistic boy during session in boy’s Garden Grove home
