How to Decide Between Center-Based ABA and Home-Based ADA for Your Child
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the most widely recognized and effective treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), offering tailored interventions to promote skill development and improve quality of life.
With 1 in 36 kids diagnosed this year with ASD, more families are seeking ABA therapy for their kiddos and are faced with the decision of whether to pursue center-based or home-based therapy options. Each approach offers unique advantages and considerations, making it essential for families to understand the differences between center-based and home-based ABA therapy before making an informed decision.
Let’s explore the key distinctions between these two approaches and consider factors to help determine which option may be the best fit for your child’s needs and family circumstances.
Benefits of Center-Based ABA Therapy
Center-based ABA therapy involves delivering applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions in a structured and controlled environment within a therapy center or clinic setting. In this approach, children attend therapy sessions at a designated facility where they receive individualized treatment from trained professionals. Benefits include:
Structured Environment: The center provides a structured and consistent environment created especially for skill development and learning. It includes therapy rooms, play rooms and quiet spaces for differing types of activities for your child.
Specialized Equipment: Our sensory tools, educational materials, interactive technology, and communication devises are designed to achieve the best results for your child’s overall development. Our therapists have access to a variety of materials and tactics and adjust based on our child’s responsiveness.
Multi-disciplinary Team: Norfolk Autism Center offers your child, and your entire family, access to board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA’s), behavior technicians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and other specialists as needed. These professionals collaborate to properly assess your child, develop an individualized treatment plan, and monitor progress.
Consistent Schedule: Therapy sessions are scheduled at regular intervals, typically several times per week, to provide consistency and continuity of care. The frequency and duration of the sessions will vary based on the needs of your specific situation.
Progress Monitoring and Data Collection: Our therapists closely monitor your child’s progress and document using data collection methods. We review this information regularly, collaborate with you, the parents, and adjust the treatment plan according to the goals.
Should I Choose Home-Based ABA Therapy for My Child?,
A home-based ABA therapy approach allows your child to receive therapy in a familiar and comfortable environment. Home-based therapy actively involves the parents, which can help support your child’s progress and reinforce skills between sessions. However, there are some notable draw-backs to home-based therapy:
Limited Resources: You may have fewer resources and materials compared to a therapy center. This may impact the variety of interventions available to your child and affect skill development.
Distractions: It may be quite challenging, especially in the beginning, for your child to focus during the therapy sessions when conducted in your home. Their preference for predictable and comfortable tasks may interfere with their willingness to try to new things.
Limited Social Interaction: One of the key benefits of center-based ABA therapy is the opportunity to learn from other kids on the spectrum. Children learn from observing and can teach others by modeling wanted behaviors, something not possible in home-based therapy sessions.
Increased Caregiver Burden: Home-based therapy requires active involvement from parents and caregivers, which can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, especially for families with multiple responsibilities.
Choose the Best Therapy Approach for Your Child
The decision between center-based and home-based ABA therapy should be based on your child’s individual needs, your family’s circumstances, and preferences. Consider the entire family’s schedule and lifestyle when opting for home-based therapy and clarify your goals and priorities for therapy, such as targeting specific skill areas, promoting independence, or fostering socialization, to align with the most appropriate therapy setting.
Contact us today for a free consultation or to schedule a tour of our new Autism Treatment Center. We’re here to help!
