20 ACES ABA Interview Questions and Answers

When interviewing for a position with ACES ABA, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience working with children with autism, your behavior management techniques, and your knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis. You may also be asked about your availability to work flexible hours, as ACES ABA provides services during the day, evening, and weekend.

ACES ABA Interview Process

The interview process at ACES ABA is relatively quick and easy. Most applicants report being contacted by a recruiter within a few days of applying, and the majority of interviews are conducted over the phone or via Zoom. The interviewer will ask questions about your experience working with children, your availability, and your knowledge of developmental disabilities and related conditions. In most cases, you will know if you have been hired on the spot.

1. Tell me about a time where you had to manage a difficult situation with a parent.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to work with parents.

Example: “I had a parent who was very upset about their child’s progress in our program. They were convinced that we weren’t doing enough for their child and wanted us to change our methods. I met with them one-on-one to discuss their concerns and explain why we chose the methods we did. We also discussed other options they could try at home to support their child’s learning. The meeting helped ease some of their concerns and gave them more confidence in our program.”

2. What qualities do you have that will make you successful in this role?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to list your most relevant qualifications and how they will help you succeed in this position.

Example: “I am a highly organized individual who has worked with children on the autism spectrum before. I know what it takes to create a schedule that works for everyone involved and how to implement behavioral plans that are effective. My communication skills also make me a great candidate for this role because I can work well with parents and other professionals.”

3. Describe your experience working with students who have autism.

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of working with students who have special needs. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific skills you’ve developed while working with these students and how they might help you in the role.

Example: “I worked as an aide at a school for children with autism for two years before I started my current position. During that time, I learned many different strategies for helping students learn new things and develop their social skills. One thing I learned was that consistency is very important when working with autistic students. If I could establish routines and expectations early on, it made it easier for them to understand what we were doing.”

4. Do you have any experience using technology to track student progress and behavior?

This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with technology and how you use it to benefit students. If you have experience using this type of software, describe what you used and how it helped you in your role.

Example: “I’ve worked with a variety of different types of software that track student progress and behavior. I find these tools helpful because they allow me to see where students are struggling or excelling so I can adjust my teaching methods accordingly. In my last position, I used an online program called Behavior Tracker to monitor student behaviors during class time. This allowed me to identify patterns in their behavior and develop strategies for helping them improve.”

5. Can you describe how you would implement an ABA program for someone who is nonverbal?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of ABA and how you would apply it in different situations. When answering this question, be sure to describe the steps you would take to implement an ABA program for someone who is nonverbal.

Example: “I have worked with many clients who are nonverbal, so I am very familiar with how to implement an ABA program for them. In my experience, I first assess what type of communication they use. For example, some people may communicate through sign language or gestures while others may only make noises. Once I understand their primary form of communication, I can begin implementing an ABA program that focuses on teaching them new ways to communicate.”

6. How do you handle stress?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you might fit in with their team. It’s important to be honest, but also show that you’re able to manage stress effectively.

Example: “I have found that it is helpful to take breaks throughout the day when I feel stressed or overwhelmed. For example, if I am working on a project and need to step away for a few minutes, I will do so. This helps me clear my mind and come back to work refreshed. Another thing I do is talk through stressful situations with someone else. Talking about what is stressing me out can help me process it and find solutions.”

7. Provide an example of when you took initiative at work.

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example that shows you have strong critical thinking skills and are able to make decisions on your own.

Example: “When I was working as a behavior analyst at my previous job, I noticed one of my clients had a difficult time transitioning from one activity to another. This caused him to become distracted during his therapy sessions. So, I decided to try a new method for helping him transition between activities. I spoke with his parents about the issue and they agreed to let me implement the new method. After implementing the new method, he was able to focus more in his therapy sessions.”

8. What are some ways you can motivate children to excel in school?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your interpersonal skills and how you might interact with students. Describe some techniques or strategies that have helped you motivate children in the past, such as praise, rewards or positive reinforcement.

Example: “I find that one of the best ways to motivate kids is through positive reinforcement. I make sure to give them plenty of praise when they do something right, which helps reinforce good behavior and encourages them to continue excelling. Another way I motivate my students is by making learning fun. For example, if we’re studying animals, I’ll bring in stuffed animals for the kids to play with while we talk about different species.”

9. Give us an example of a time when you improved or changed a policy or procedure. How did it impact the company?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the policy or procedure you changed and how that change impacted the company positively.

Example: “In my last role as an educational assistant, I noticed that some students were having difficulty understanding the curriculum because of their reading level. So, I spoke with my supervisor about implementing a new program where we would read aloud to the class for 15 minutes each day. The students loved it, and many parents reported that their child’s grades improved after starting the program.”

10. What would you do if a child was acting out violently towards other students?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. You may want to describe your approach and the steps you would take to ensure the safety of all students involved.

Example: “If I encountered this situation, I would first try to calm the child down by speaking with them privately. If they were still acting out, I would remove them from the classroom for their own safety and call for backup if needed. Once the child was in another room, I would assess whether or not they are in need of medical attention. If so, I would contact emergency services immediately.”

11. Why should we hire you over another candidate?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any specific qualifications or certifications you have. You can also explain why you would be an asset to their team.

Example: “I am passionate about working with children who have special needs. I believe my background in behavioral analysis makes me uniquely qualified to work here. My education and training make me well-prepared to help students learn how to manage their behaviors so they can succeed academically.”

12. Are you CPR certified?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you have the necessary skills and qualifications for working with children. If you are not CPR certified, explain what steps you would take to become certified.

Example: “I am CPR certified through the American Red Cross. I took a course on how to perform CPR when I was in college, but I plan to renew my certification soon because it expires every two years. I also plan to take an online course on first aid so that I can help students who need medical attention.”

13. Have you ever worked as part of a team to improve outcomes for students?

This question can help interviewers understand your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. Use examples from previous experience where you worked as part of a team to improve outcomes for students or other clients.

Example: “In my current role, I am part of the student support team that works together to provide behavioral analysis services to schools across the state. We meet weekly to discuss our progress and any challenges we may be facing. This helps us stay organized and focused on providing quality services to our clients.”

14. What made you want to be a behavioral therapist?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are passionate about your career. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share a personal story or experience that led you to pursue this line of work.

Example: “I have always been fascinated by how people’s minds work. I remember when I was in high school, my English teacher assigned us an essay on what we wanted to do with our lives. At the time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a living, but I wrote down that I wanted to become a behavioral therapist because I thought it would be interesting to learn more about how people think and behave.”

15. How would you help a child develop social skills?

This question can help interviewers understand your approach to working with children and their families. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation or two in which you helped a child develop social skills.

Example: “I have worked with many children who struggle with social skills. I find that the best way to help them is by helping parents learn how to support their child’s development of these skills. For example, if a child has trouble making friends, I will work with the parent to teach them ways they can encourage their child to interact with others. This may include encouraging play dates or providing opportunities for one-on-one interaction.”

16. How do you deal with parents who may not agree with your methods?

Parents may have their own ideas about how to handle a child’s behavioral issues. This question helps the interviewer determine if you can work with parents and help them understand your methods. Use examples from previous experience where you helped parents understand why you were implementing certain strategies or techniques.

Example: “I always try to meet with parents before I implement any new strategies or techniques. If they are uncomfortable with my approach, I will find ways to make it more suitable for them. For example, in one case, I was working with a student who had sensory processing disorder. The parent wanted me to use only positive reinforcement when dealing with her son. However, she understood that sometimes consequences are necessary to reinforce good behavior.”

17. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your manager, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether or not you’re able to work well with others. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you can be respectful of authority while also standing up for yourself when necessary.

Example: “I once disagreed with my manager about a client’s treatment plan. I felt like we were overlooking some key behavioral issues in favor of focusing on academic performance. My manager was adamant that we focus on academics first, so I asked if I could write a report outlining my concerns and submit it to her. She agreed, and after reading my report she decided to adjust our treatment plan.”

18. What does positive reinforcement mean to you?

This question is a behavioral analysis test to see if you understand the importance of positive reinforcement in your work. It’s important that you show the interviewer that you know how to use positive reinforcement and can apply it to your daily tasks.

Example: “Positive reinforcement means giving children praise for good behavior or actions. I believe this is an effective way to encourage them to continue their positive behaviors, which helps them learn more effectively. In my last role, I used positive reinforcement with students who were having trouble learning certain concepts. For example, when a student would answer a question correctly, I would give them verbal praise and sometimes a small treat.”

19. What would you do if a client’s parents were not cooperating?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to take action and will not allow parents to undermine your work with their child.

Example: “I have had this experience before, and I always try to be respectful when speaking with parents. However, if they refuse to cooperate or follow my recommendations, I would explain to them that I am an expert in my field and know what is best for their child. If they still refuse to comply, I would document it in the client’s file and inform my supervisor of the situation.”

20. If two instructors had different approaches on how to teach a particular skill, what would you do?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a conflict in your classroom. It also helps them determine if you have any experience working with multiple instructors and learning styles.

Example: “In my previous role, I had two different teachers teaching the same subject. One teacher taught through lecture while the other used more hands-on activities to teach the same material. In this situation, I asked both of them what their preferred method was for teaching the skill and then discussed it with the students at the beginning of each class. This helped me ensure that all students were getting the information they needed from both methods.”