When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, one of the first big decisions families face is choosing the right therapy setting. Similar to how treatment plans are developed, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Home-based services can be a strong option for many families—but whether they’re right for you depends on your child’s needs and family’s goals for them.
How Are Home-Based Services Structured?
Home-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy will always comprise of the following:
- A therapist working one-on-one with your child in your home
- A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supervising the implementation of your child’s treatment plan
Similarly to what a family would experience in a center-based setting, all home-based therapy sessions occur at consistent, scheduled times. For example, your child may receive services between 8am-2pm for daytime hours or 2pm-6pm for afterschool hours.
Natural Environment Teaching
Given that services take place within your child’s natural environment, ABA therapy sessions are structured to match similar routines of what occurs in your home. The therapist and your loved one will create a schedule or cadence for therapy sessions that reflect your family’s schedule.
This may include:
- Brushing teeth and morning hygiene
- Snack and mealtimes
- Getting dressed
- Playing outside
- Cleaning up toys
- Creating independence
In-home ABA therapy may be the best fit for you and your family if:
- Your child thrives within their natural environment
- Ability for skills (such as communication) to generalize across people and environments
- More involvement and collaboration in your child’s care
- Increase your loved one’s independent skills at home
The best setting is the one that supports your child’s overall life and impacts their overall quality of life while realistically fitting into your family’s life.
Variabilities provide home and community-based ABA therapy throughout Collin County. If you are interested in learning more about home-based ABA therapy or have additional questions on if this is the right fit for your family, contact us today.