ABA Discontinuous Measurement Guide for Clinicians

by Youssef Mahfoudh | Oct 17, 2025 | Blogs

In Applied Behavior Analysis, tracking behavior helps therapists understand progress and make treatment decisions. One crucial way to do this is through a measurement system. These systems show how often or how long a behavior may occur. There are two main types of measurements, i.e., continuous and discontinuous.

This article focuses on discontinuous measurement, how it differs from continuous measurement, its types, when to use each, and their advantages and limitations.

What is Discontinuous Measurement?

Discontinuous measurement is a data collection method used in ABA where the observer records behavior at specific moments or within set time intervals, rather than tracking every single occurrence. Instead of capturing the full picture, it provides a sample of the behavior across time.

In simpler terms, you divide the observation period into equal chunks of time (called intervals) and check whether the target behavior happens during those intervals. Depending on the method, you may record:

• If it happened at any time in the interval (Partial Interval),
• If it happened the whole time (Whole Interval),
• Or if it happened exactly at a specific moment (Momentary Time Sampling).

This approach gives you a general estimate of how often or how long a behavior occurs without needing to observe continuously

Discontinuous Measurement VS Continuous Measurement

1. Continuous measurement

With continuous measurement, You record every instance of the behavior, and its precise start and stop times (frequency, duration, latency), so you get a complete record.

2. Discontinuous measurement

With discontinuous measurement, You observe behavior during set time segments (intervals) and record whether the behavior occurred (or occurred at the moment) during those segments. You do not capture every occurrence or exact duration.

Types of Discontinuous Measurement

1. Partial Interval Recording

What it is:

Divide the observation period into equal short intervals (for example, 10 seconds). Mark the interval if the target behavior occurred at any time during that interval.

How to do it:

1. Decide total observation time (e.g., 10 minutes).
2. Choose interval length (5–30 seconds is common).
3. For each interval, mark “yes” if the behavior happened at least once; mark “no” if it did not.
4. At the end, calculate the percentage of intervals with the behavior (intervals with behavior ÷ total intervals × 100).

When to use it:

High-frequency behaviors (e.g., hand flapping, vocal scripts) where counting every occurrence is impractical. Also, when you want to be conservative in detecting presence (it usually overestimates how much of the interval the behavior occupied).

For example, if behavior occurs briefly in 6 of 10 intervals, the score = 60% but the actual time engaged might be only 10–20% of the observation period.

2. Whole Interval Recording

What it is:

Whole interval recording divides time into equal intervals. You mark an interval only if the behavior occurs throughout the entire interval.

How to do it:

1. Set total observation time and interval length.
2. For each interval, mark “yes” only if the behavior was present the whole interval; otherwise, mark “no.”
3. Calculate the percentage of intervals fully occupied.

When to use it:

For behaviors you want to increase (e.g., on-task behavior, engagement). Useful when measuring continuous engagement rather than brief bursts. For example, if a student is on-task for the full 4 of 10 intervals, score = 40%, even if they were partially on-task in more intervals.

3. Momentary Time Sampling (MTS)

What it is:

Observe at predetermined moments (the end or start of each interval) and record if the behavior is occurring exactly at that moment.

How to do it:

• Choose interval length and moment (commonly the end).
• Observe, then at the moment, and mark if behavior is happening at that instant.
• Calculate the percentage of moments where behavior was present.

When to use it:

When continuous monitoring isn’t feasible, but you want a quick estimate. Works well for overall trends across observers. For example, in a 30-minute observation with 30 one-minute intervals, you take 30 “snapshots.” If behavior is present at 12 snapshots, score = 40%.

When is Discontinuous Measurement Most Useful?

1. High-frequency behaviors that would be hard to count accurately (e.g., repetitive movements, vocalizations).
2. Settings with limited observers, like classrooms or community outings, where staff can’t continuously record.
3. Large-scale monitoring to detect trends across many students or clients.
4. Interim checks during baseline or large-group interventions when quick data is needed.

Advantages Of Discontinuous Measurement

• It is feasible in everyday settings, hence resulting in less observer fatigue.
• Efficient for frequent behaviors and group observations.
• Discontinuous measurement is useful for trends; for example it is good for showing whether behavior is going up or down over time.
• This type is easy to train staff on since it has straightforward rules and simple scoring.

Limitations Of Discontinuous Measurement

• It is less precise than continuous methods and therefore doesn’t capture exact frequency or duration.
• Discontinuous measurement can over- or underestimate true behavior level depending on method and interval length.
• Its longer intervals reduce accuracy.
• Also, interobserver reliability (IOR) can drop if observers aren’t well trained on timing and definitions.

Practical Tips for Reliable Use

1. Keep intervals short (5–15 seconds) for fast behaviors; longer intervals for slower ones.
2. Train observers with video practice and check IOR before collecting real data. Aim for ≥80% agreement.
3. Run occasional continuous sessions to validate your discontinuous data.
4. Be consistent: same interval length, same observation times, and clear operational definitions.

Conclusion

Discontinuous measurement is a practical, widely used option in ABA when continuous recording is impractical. Pick the method that matches your goals: partial interval for detecting frequent behavior, whole interval for measuring sustained behavior, and momentary time sampling for quick snapshots. Always watch the limitations and use training and periodic checks to keep your data trustworthy.

ABA Software Buyer Checklist—Practical Guide Clinics Can Use Before Buying

by Youssef Mahfoudh | Oct 2, 2025 | Blogs

Choosing the right ABA software is a big decision. The right tool saves time, keeps data accurate, and helps clinicians deliver better care. Below is a clear, practical checklist you can use. It focuses on the five must-check categories: essential features, security elements, support, scalability, and cost-related aspects. Each section includes specific items to verify and vendor questions you should ask about onboarding, integrations, and updates.

1. Must-Have Features in an ABA Software

Your team needs tools built for ABA data, not just a generic EHR. The right features reduce data entry time and make treatment decisions faster.

1. Essential Clinical Features

• Look for the ability to record antecedent–behavior–consequence (ABC) entries, start/stop timestamps, duration, latency, and frequency counts. This lets clinicians run accurate trend analyses without manual cleanup.
• The system should support multiple data collection methods (partial/whole interval, momentary time sampling, and event recording) and let you add custom fields for unique programs.
• Check that graphs can show daily/session-level and weekly summaries, overlay baselines, and export charts to PDFs for IEPs or insurance. Prefer systems that let you choose axes, smoothing, and aggregation.
• Features should include supervision logs, sign-and-lock notes, goal reviews with signatures, and supervision notes tied to client records. These save time during audits.
• The platform should allow task analyses, chaining procedures, mastery criteria, and automatic next-step recommendations based on performance rules.
• Either built-in IOR forms or an easy export for IOR analysis. Ask how they align recordings from two observers.
• The scheduler should handle travel time, staff ratios, and automated reminders. Billing must support ABA CPT codes, electronic claims, and common clearinghouses.
• Field RBTs must be able to record live on phones or tablets and sync when online. Test data entry speed on a low-bandwidth connection.
• A simple portal for progress snapshots, consent forms, and secure messaging reduces admin emails.

2. Administrative & Billing Features

• Built-in billing that supports CPT/HCPCS used for ABA and insurance claims.
• Electronic claims export and clearinghouse compatibility.
• Attendance and payroll export for staff time tracking.
• Scheduling that enforces staffing ratios and travel time.

3. Usability Features

• Mobile app or responsive web app for RBTs to record in real time.
• Parent/guardian portal for messaging, consent forms, and progress view.
• Offline mode that syncs when back online.
• Customizable templates, workflows, and role-based screens.

Quick checklist for must-have features:

1. Does it record session data in the formats your team uses?
2. Can BCBAs review and sign remotely?
3. Is billing integrated and compatible with your payers?

2. Security—Protect Client Data and Meet Legal Rules

Client records are protected health information. Get written proof of protections and how incidents are handled.

• Always require a BAA (Business Associate Agreement) before sharing PHI. It’s a legal must for HIPAA-covered entities.
• Data should be encrypted in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (industry-standard AES algorithms). Ask for plain descriptions of how encryption keys are managed.
• Role-based permissions, session timeouts, and optional multi-factor authentication reduce insider risk. Confirm you can limit who exports data.
• Ask to see sample logs. Logs should show user ID, timestamp, record changed, and IP address for each edit or view.
• Get the vendor’s backup frequency, retention policy, and their Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO). Request recent uptime statistics and maintenance windows.
• Third-party security attestations such as SOC 2 Type II, ISO, or penetration test reports are good signs. If they don’t have them, ask what independent testing they do.

Quick Checklist for Security

1. Do you have a BAA?
2. How and where is data stored (cloud region)?
3. Are there audit logs and MFA?

3. Support—Will the Vendor Help You Succeed?

Good support turns a capable product into an adopted product. Test responsiveness and quality during the pilot.

• Expect a written plan with milestones: data migration, workflow mapping, staff training, pilot dates, and a named Customer Success Manager (CSM).
• Training for BCBAs, RBTs, front-desk, and billing staff—live sessions plus recordings. Ask if training materials are editable for your policies.
• Know who maps legacy data, how they validate accuracy, and whether cleanup is included or billed hourly.
• Get published SLAs (Service Level Agreements) for critical vs. non-critical issues and real examples of average response times.
• A short pilot with real clinicians, plus vendor staff available to shadow sessions, reveals usability problems early.
• An organized help center and readable release notes help reduce support calls.

Quick Checklist for Support

1. What is a typical onboarding timeline for a clinic our size?
2. Do you assign a dedicated customer success manager? For how long?
3. What’s included in migration, who maps legacy data, and who pays for cleanup?
4. What are your support hours and SLA response times for critical outages?

4. Scalability—Will It Grow With Your Clinic?

Make sure the system handles more clients, staff, and clinics.

• Centralized admin controls for permissions, billing, and reporting across sites.
• Ask for customers with a similar scale and test system speed during peak hours in a pilot.
• Open APIs or webhooks enable automation with payroll, billing, or learning management systems. Request API docs and sample calls.
• Clarify client record caps, API rate limits, and whether adding seats or sites changes response times or costs.

Quick Checklist for Scalability

1. Can it support X therapists and Y concurrent users?
2. Is there a clear plan/cost for adding more clinics or users?
3. Does the vendor offer APIs and integration options?

5. Cost—Understand Total Cost of Ownership

Look beyond the sticker price. Instead, check for:

• Is pricing per user, per client, per site, or flat? Get a line-item list: base software, modules, migration, training, and integrations.
• Confirm who pays for data cleanup, custom reports, and mapping. Get hourly rates for custom work.
• Ask about annual price increases, minimum terms, and cancellation or data-export fees.
• Telehealth, parent portal, advanced analytics, and premium support are sometimes add-ons. Get exact costs for anything you might need.

Quick Checklist for Cost

1. What is included in the base price? What costs extra?
2. Are there volume discounts for many users or clinics?
3. What happens to our data if we cancel—is export free?

Final steps before you sign

• Run a 30–90 day pilot with real clinicians and clients.
• Ask for references from clinics of similar size and services.
• Get all promises in writing: onboarding plan, SLA, security attestations, and pricing.

Questions to Ask Vendors (Onboarding, Integrations, Updates)

1. What does a typical onboarding timeline look like for a clinic our size? Can you share a sample project plan?
2. Who performs data migration, and how do you validate migrated data?
3. Which third-party systems do you integrate with now? Can you share customer references for each integration?
4. Do you provide open APIs and web-hooks? Can we see the API docs and sample calls?
5. How often do you release updates, and how are breaking changes communicated or piloted
6. What is your patch/incident response process for security issues?

Takeaway

Run a 30–90 day pilot with your core clinical team, use this checklist during demos, and get all promises in writing (onboarding plan, SLA, security attestations, and pricing).

Want a downloadable, fillable checklist you can use during demos? Schedule a demo with vendors on your shortlist or download the full printable checklist.

If you’d like to see how Raven Health aligns with the criteria above, you can request a demo or start a free trial and test the features with your own team.

Top ABA Data Collection Software in 2025

by Youssef Mahfoudh | Sep 28, 2025 | Blogs

Essential Features of ABA Software

by Youssef Mahfoudh | Sep 27, 2025 | Blogs

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) relies on precise data tracking and analysis. Good ABA software bundles all the tools clinics need from charting session data to scheduling and billing. Instead of juggling paper records and separate apps, a modern ABA system can integrate client data, session notes, scheduling, billing, and reporting in one place, making it easier to deliver effective ABA therapy

This integration lets teams focus on care: automating tasks like data entry and reports frees up your time for direct therapy. In practice, therapists (like RBTs) need fast, easy data entry so they spend time with clients, not paperwork.

BCBAs need analytics and reports to fine-tune programs and show progress. Administrators rely on scheduling and billing tools to run the business smoothly. Below is a checklist of must-have features and why each matters for therapists, BCBAs, and admins, including their impact on workflow and outcomes.

1. Data Collection

A modern ABA platform highlights features like real-time data syncing and offline mode, so therapists can enter behavior data on a tablet or phone during sessions and have it sync automatically when reconnected.

It also offers customizable data forms and smart validations to guide accurate entry. For example, Raven Health emphasizes Real-Time Data Syncing and an Offline-Mode so providers can log data anywhere.

• Real-time syncing and offline access- Ensures therapists capture data on the fly and never lose it, even without Wi-Fi.
• Mobile-friendly interface- A simple, tablet-first design makes in-session recording quick and easy.
• Custom prompts and checks- Built-in validations and customizable fields help prevent errors and ensure complete records.

Efficient data collection is the foundation of ABA work. For therapists, this means spending more time observing and teaching clients rather than filling out forms.

Accurate, immediate data entry (with auto-graphing) lets BCBAs review progress as soon as a session ends. Indeed, when data tasks are automated, clinicians can focus on clients, not paperwork.

Administrators benefit too: standardized digital records make it easier to generate reports and stay audit-ready. In short, streamlined data entry cuts errors and frees up hours each week, which translates directly into more client interaction and better-informed treatment plans.

2. Reporting and Analytics

Detailed reporting transforms raw data into clear insights. BCBAs rely on graphical progress reports and dashboards to monitor each child’s skill gains and behavior changes.

• Custom dashboards and graphs- Interactive charts and progress trackers let users spot trends at a glance.
• Automated progress reports- One-click reports (for parents, schools, or payers) summarize goals and outcomes, saving hours of manual work.
• Compliance and documentation templates- Built-in templates for treatment plans, session notes, and outcome measures keep records consistent and audit-ready.

Many systems can auto-generate reports that track objectives over time, so clinicians immediately see if a strategy is working. For example, customizable dashboards visualize individual client progress with clear graphs, making it easy to share updates with teams and families.

Automated reporting also keeps caregivers and insurers informed without extra work; progress summaries can be emailed or viewed via a parent portal.

For therapists, instant access to updated graphs helps adjust lessons on the fly. For administrators, report templates reduce paperwork and help demonstrate outcomes to funders or during audits. In all, powerful reporting tools mean decisions are data-driven and treatment stays aligned with measurable goals.

3. Scheduling

Efficient scheduling ensures sessions happen as planned. Administrators gain a clear overview of all therapists’ and clients’ calendars, so they can spot gaps or overlaps immediately.

• Shared calendars and conflict alerts- Multi-provider views and automatic conflict detection prevent double-booking.
• Recurring and availability settings- Templates for repeat sessions and visibility into client or therapist availability speed up booking.
• Automated reminders- Email/SMS reminders to families and staff cut down on missed sessions.
• Mobile access. Field-based therapists can check and update schedules on their phones.

Automated tools take over repetitive tasks: the system can match staff to client availability and even suggest best times.

Therapists benefit by getting real-time schedule updates on their devices, making it easy to prepare for the day’s sessions. Importantly, automated reminders (texts or emails) help families remember appointments, which reduces no-shows and manual reminder calls.

In practice, these scheduling features give administrators back hours per week, and ensure therapy hours are fully used. Better-coordinated schedules mean clients get consistent service and therapists aren’t juggling mix-ups or conflicts.

4. Billing

Billing features connect therapy work to financial health. When scheduling and session notes flow into billing automatically, no therapy time gets lost. For example, linking authorizations to the schedule prevents therapists from unknowingly exceeding approved hours, cutting denials.

• Insurance verification- Automated checks of client eligibility and authorizations keep billing error-free.
• ABA-specific coding- Built-in management of ABA CPT codes and units ensures services are billed correctly.
• Claims submission and tracking- Everything i.e., claim creation, electronic submission, and payment posting is linked to the session data, so you don’t have to enter the same information more than once.
• Financial dashboards- AR tracking and billing reports let admins monitor revenue, denials, and cash flow in real time.

The software can auto-apply the correct ABA codes and alert for missing authorizations before submitting a claim. Many systems post payments and update accounts receivable in one click, so administrators immediately see what’s been paid vs. outstanding.

Clinicians’ and office staff’s billing work becomes more efficient: missing or incorrect claims get caught early, and payments arrive sooner.

In turn, that steady cash flow lets clinics invest in more services and staff. High collection rates often 95–98% and under 1% denial rates have been reported with best-in-class ABA billing tools.

5. Integrations

No software lives in a vacuum. Integration capabilities ensure the ABA platform works with other tools you already use. For instance, client data should flow into your electronic health record and billing system without retyping.

• Connect other systems- Sync with EHRs, telehealth apps, and accounting/payroll software.
• Communication tools- Link with email/SMS platforms and parent portals for seamless updates.
• Data sharing across apps- APIs and built-in links mean data entered once (e.g. client demographics) populates every relevant part of the system.

Connections to telehealth or data-collection apps allow therapists to use their preferred tools while keeping all information synced. Seamless integration eliminates duplicate data entry and human errors. Clinics have found that integrated systems can cut administrative work by roughly a third.

For therapists and BCBAs, this means they don’t waste time switching between apps or re-entering client info. For admins, it means a unified view of the practice, one login to see scheduling, billing, and clinical data together which drastically reduces clerical overhead.

Conclusion

Together, these features transform how an ABA practice operates. Automated data collection and reporting free up therapists and BCBAs to spend time on treatment planning and delivering care. Robust scheduling and billing tools improve the business side: conflicts and claim errors are caught early, so services are consistent and payments are timely.

In short, an ABA system with these must-have features streamlines workflow across roles from clinician to admin and leads to better client outcomes. When data, schedules, and billing all flow smoothly, ABA teams can work more efficiently and deliver higher-quality, data-driven therapy that truly makes a difference. Clinicians can apply ABA these features into their workflows more efficiently using tools like Raven Health. Request a demo or start a free trial to see it in action.

Tacts in ABA Therapy: Labeling vs. Request

by Youssef Mahfoudh | Sep 26, 2025 | Blogs

Learning to talk about the world is an important step for every child. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one way therapists teach this is through tacts. Tacts are words children use to label things they see, hear, or feel.

Tacts help kids connect language with their surroundings, which builds vocabulary and supports better communication. In this article, you will explore what a tact is, how it’s different from other language skills like requests (mands), and why it’s a key part of helping children grow their communication skills.

What are Tacts?

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a tact means giving a name to something you see, hear, or feel. It’s when a person uses a word because of something happening around them. For example, if a toddler sees a dog and says “dog,” that’s a tact, the word comes from noticing the animal. In simple terms, a tact is just saying or describing what you notice in your surroundings.

Children usually start learning tacts early, like saying “mama” when they see their mom or “car” when a car drives by. Learning to label things this way helps kids understand the world and grow their vocabulary.

A child hears a phone ringing and says “phone”. A child tastes lemon and says “sour!”. These are all tacts because the child is naming or describing a sensory experience. Children often name or point out things they see. In ABA terms, each label (e.g. “bird” or “tree”) would be a tact of what they see.

How Tacts Differ from Mands?

While both tacts and mands are verbal behaviors, they have different triggers and purpose. A mand is essentially a request or demand: it’s language used to get something. For instance, if a child says “cookie” because they are hungry and want a cookie, that is a mand.

The motivator is an internal need or desire. In contrast, a tact simply names or comments on something without asking for anything in return. The stimulus that controls a tact is external (what the child sees, hears, or feels), whereas a mand is controlled by an internal motivation (hunger, thirst, curiosity, etc.).

Key differences of Tacts and Mands

• Purpose: A tact is used to label or describe the environment, while a mand is used to request something the speaker wants.
• Control: Tacts are evoked by things the child sees or hears (external stimuli). Mands are evoked by the child’s needs or desires (motivating operations).
• Example: Saying “dog” upon seeing a dog is a tact. Saying “cookie” when hungry to get a cookie is a mand.

In ABA therapy, practitioners often teach and reinforce both tacts and mands, but the teaching methods differ.

For example, to teach tacts a therapist might hold up a toy block and ask “What is this?”, helping the child learn to label it. In contrast, for mands the therapist creates a situation where the child wants something (like a toy) and prompts them to request it.

Therapy session example: a therapist and child play with toy blocks. The therapist might prompt the child to name or request a block. Labeling the blocks (“block,” “red block”) would be tact training, while asking for a block when the child wants it would be mand training.

Why Tacts Matter for Communication

Building a strong repertoire of tacts is crucial for broader communication skills. Each tact adds a word to the child’s vocabulary and a way to express what they notice. Research and clinical guides highlight several benefits of tacting which are as follows:

1. Vocabulary and Knowledge

Tacting builds vocabulary. Every time a child learns to name an object or action, they understand the world a bit more. For example, learning to tact “dog,” “ball,” “flower,” etc., equips the child to talk about many everyday things.

2. Sharing Information

Tacts let children share observations with others. By describing what they see or feel, children engage in conversations and social interaction. Tacts “offer the listener specific information” for social communication. A child who can say “bird!” or “look, truck!” initiates an exchange about their environment.

3. Foundation for Language

A strong tact repertoire often paves the way for more complex language skills. Research suggests that tacts are among “the most important verbal operants” and that a strong tact base precedes more advanced speech like asking questions and holding conversations.

In other words, children who can label many things are better prepared to answer questions, narrate events, and engage in back-and-forth dialogue later on.

4. Social and Adaptive Benefits

Labeling the world can reduce frustration and problematic behavior. For children with autism, learning to tact has been linked to improved social communication and even a reduction in repetitive speech.

When a child can express “I see car” or “the swing” instead of only crying or repeating noises, their interactions become more functional and engaging.

A review found that teaching tacts to autistic children is highly effective: 87% of the reported interventions showed high or excellent improvements in the children’s communication.

The review noted that tacts help facilitate social interaction and that a strong tact repertoire can lead to development of other language skills.

In practical terms, children who learn to label things can better follow instructions, answer questions, and make comments, all key parts of daily communication.

Conclusion

Tacts are the building blocks of labeling and describing the world. They differ from mands (requests) in what prompts them and what they achieve, and they play a crucial role in language growth. By teaching tacts through pictures, objects, and natural play, ABA therapists help children expand their vocabulary and social skills, giving them more tools to interact and communicate effectively.

Clinicians can apply ABA these strategies more efficiently using tools like Raven Health. Request a demo or start a free trial to see it in action.