The evidence behind the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to spread. As it does, more parents and caregivers are enrolling their little ones in these centers.
As with any childcare setting, though, it’s important to ask questions and understand what to expect before signing your child up for ABA therapy. In this article, we’ll share the 7 most important things to know about Applied Behavior Analysis in a center setting to help you familiarize yourself and your child with this new stage in their development.
1. ABA Therapy Isn’t Daycare
Although taking your child to a “center” while you work sounds like daycare, when you sign your child up for ABA therapy, you need to understand the difference.
Daycare is, for the most part, flexible. If you have a day off from work and decide to keep your child home with you, as long as you follow the daycare’s contact and payment policies, it’s not an issue. In ABA therapy, your child’s growth depends on consistency.
The time they spend at the center is strategically planned to help them reach their goals. Instead of a supervised group setting designed to keep the little ones happy and safe, this type of treatment is usually one-on-one with a trained therapist, or in small groups specifically designed to target social skills.
How long your child needs to be at the center each day depends on factors like the center’s guidelines and the severity of their needs. This article by Behavior Span goes in-depth into general ABA therapy timelines.
2. Maximum Success Depends on Everyone Involved
Significant research shows the effectiveness of ABA therapy. Grounded in the science of behaviorism, this treatment uses the principles of how the environment impacts behavior. Adjusting environmental influences target behaviors to reach desired outcomes.
However, to achieve maximum success, it takes therapists and caregivers working together to provide the child with consistency. Your little one can obtain the best possible results when everyone on board is trained to respond using the strategies suggested by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who assesses and works with them.
Everyone’s Input is Part of Progress Monitoring
Progress is continuously monitored at home and in the center through analysis and data collection. When a child reaches their specific, achievable goals, the milestone is recorded and new targets are set.
When those goals aren’t reached within the intended time frame, a detailed intervention plan is developed. But this goal-milestone-intervention platform is most effective when parents, caregivers, and therapists at the center are on the same page.
Helping Your Child Helps Reduce Your Stress, Too
Studies show that parents of children with ASD have significantly more stress than their counterparts. Yet, this stress level decreases substantially when working with experts who teach the parents how to encourage positive behaviors and discourage challenging ones.
Yes, working with your child’s therapist requires a time commitment from you, but the rewards can be a significant decrease in stress and frustration at home and a stronger relationship with your little one.
3. ABA Therapy Can Be Less Expensive Than You Think
Because of the demand for higher-quality care for children with ASD and other developmental disorders, many states have implemented programs that cover ABA therapy, and insurance companies often include it in their policies.
This type of treatment can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year, so knowing the cost before you dive in is vital. States like Colorado provide Medicaid coverage for most children diagnosed with ASD, regardless of family income, and many in-network centers are 100% covered by this insurance.
If your state isn’t there yet, review your insurance company’s policies and be sure to look at in-network providers to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), these tax-advantaged accounts also cover ABA therapy.
Not everyone has insurance coverage, though. If this is your situation or your expenses beyond insurance are too high, contact the autism support board to learn about state-sponsored grants and scholarships, or reach out to organizations such as United Healthcare Children’s Foundation and Autism Care Today.
Some centers offer sliding-scale or cash discounts for children without insurance. Regardless of your financial situation, your child deserves the best possible care, and your family deserves the right to learn expert strategies for children with ASD to create a loving, enjoyable home environment.
Conclusion
There’s no denying it — ABA therapy is one of the most effective ways to help your child grow and thrive when they have autism. But it isn’t a “drop them off and leave” situation. The results are optimized when everyone is involved. Yet, financial considerations often keep parents from the care that would help their child and their stress levels.
Through research, communication, and persistence, you can get your little one the care they need, learn the strategies used by experts, and reduce the expense of helping your child communicate and socialize.