Will ABA help my child?
According to the National Standards Project and other empirical resources, ABA is the most effective evidenced based intervention for improving symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. All other interventions unrelated to ABA have been classified as emerging or unestablished.
Where does the therapy occur?
The majority of therapy occurs in the client’s home or other care facility. Therapists are available to conduct therapy in areas outside of the home but are not allowed to transport the client. Therapists are only allowed to meet clients outside the home if related to therapy activities.
What does a typical session look like?
Upon arriving to the home, the therapist will gather materials related to the session and those required for taking data. The therapist will conduct the session. Prior to leaving the home, the therapist will clean up materials, graph data, and complete all notes.
Who conducts the therapy?
The majority of therapy is conducted by line therapists who have received over 80 hours of hands on training in addition to the 40 hours of registered behavioral technician training. Each child may have anywhere between 1-4 therapists depending on the number of total sessions. Each team follows a weekly schedule that may be modified by the family or HOH as required. Each team is assigned a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who creates the client’s program. The BCBA is present at a weekly team meeting where they assess therapy data and make modifications when appropriate. In addition, the BCBA provides supervision to therapists to ensure high treatment integrity. The BCBA will determine if it is beneficial to conduct an individual session with the client.
What is my level of involvement as a parent?
Given that the aims of ABA are to improve socially significant behaviors, it is ideal that the entire family and relevant individuals be involved in therapy. Involvement can take many forms such as setting goals, providing behavioral observations, attending team meetings, individual parent training, and/or parent led sessions. Family involvement helps the child generalize their skills across environments and people.
How many hours of therapy should my child get?
Research suggests 20-40 hours per week of intensive one-on-one therapy provides the best results. The total weekly hours of ABA therapy received will vary depending on the child’s needs, scheduling availability, and insurance constraints.
Will my insurance cover therapy?
Illinois passed a state mandate that private insurance companies must cover ABA services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. However, each plan is different and some plans do not provide coverage for ABA. If you are unsure about your insurance coverage, contact HOH today and we will verify covered services for you free of charge.