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Does my Child Need to Complete All ABA Sessions?
Life is a juggling act of responsibilities and obligations that seem to measure our time constantly. Between work commitments, household chores, and the demands of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a family’s routine can become even more challenging and time-constrained. Amidst doctor appointments, attending to your child’s needs, managing work responsibilities, and possibly squeezing in some much-needed downtime or extracurricular activities, cancellations in ABA therapy can become regular. However, frequent cancellations in ABA therapy can pose a problem and even create setbacks in treatment goals, making it vital to attend prescription hours as prescribed by your ABA agency as often as possible.
Perhaps your child has just begun ABA therapy treatment, and you might wonder, ” Does my child need to complete all ABA sessions?” The answer is yes; completing all ABA hours is crucial to providing your loved one’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) enough time to implement strategies from your loved one’s personalized therapy plan for better outcomes. It also ensures compliance with the hours approved by the medical insurance company.
People often overlook ABA therapy, but it’s crucial to prioritize ABA sessions within the family. While it’s expected to cancel appointments or events due to various circumstances, treating ABA therapy as a priority is essential, just like any other medical appointment or treatment course. In this blog by ABA Centers of Georgia, we’ll explain why cancellations in ABA therapy can significantly impact your child’s or teenager’s development on the autism spectrum.
Benefits of ABA Therapy
Before delving into the impact of cancellations, let’s first underscore the invaluable benefits of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children on the autism spectrum. ABA therapy is one of the most effective evidence-based interventions for individuals with ASD. According to the Journal of Educational and Social Research, its structured, goal-oriented approach focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as communication, social skills, and daily living activities, while also reducing challenging behaviors.
Consistency is key in ABA therapy. The structured nature of ABA sessions allows RBTs to target skill development and behavior modification, leading to tangible progress over time. Each session builds upon the last, reinforcing positive behaviors and providing opportunities for learning and growth. Through consistent participation in ABA therapy, children can develop essential life skills and achieve their full potential while overcoming maladaptive behaviors.
Why Cancellations in ABA Therapy Can Delay Your Child’s Progress
Cancellations in ABA therapy are not uncommon, and there are many cases where children do not even start treatment. A study conducted by the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics revealed that a significant amount of children who were recommended ABA therapy did not receive or initiate therapy, and many of those who did initiate therapy did not complete the recommended duration.
Factors such as prior special education history correlated with more extended ABA therapy engagement while having a single parent was associated with discontinuation. Despite a minority of children receiving the total hours of ABA therapy, even those who received less still demonstrated clinically significant improvements in adaptive behavior over 24 months.
Common Impacts of Missing ABA Sessions
Now, let’s consider the impact of missed ABA therapy on your child. Children with ASD thrive on routine and predictability. A sudden disruption in their therapy schedule can cause confusion and anxiety, potentially leading to regression in learned skills or behaviors. Moreover, consistent attendance ensures that your child receives the necessary repetition and reinforcement essential for skill acquisition and retention. Without regular sessions, progress may slow down or, worse, decline, hindering your child’s developmental trajectory.
Beyond the immediate consequences for your child, frequent cancellations in ABA therapy can also have repercussions with your insurance provider. Most insurance policies require a certain number of authorized ABA therapy hours for coverage. Failure to meet these requirements due to cancellations may result in reduced or terminated coverage, leaving families burdened with significant out-of-pocket expenses or, worse, without access to crucial therapy services.
Additionally, ABA therapy centers often operate on tight schedules, with therapists booked weeks or even months in advance. Last-minute cancellations not only disrupt the center’s operations but also prevent other families from accessing much-needed therapy slots. This ripple effect underscores the importance of honoring scheduled appointments and communicating effectively with your therapy provider.
Tips to Fulfill Therapy Hours
Understandably, daily life can be chaotic, and cancellations can sometimes be unavoidable. However, there are steps we can take to minimize the impact of these cancellations on ABA therapy:
1. Open Communication: Maintain open and constant communication with your child’s therapist. If a scheduling conflict or unforeseen situation arises, let them know as far in advance as possible.
2. Establish Routines: Try to establish solid routines as much as possible. Having predictable schedules can help minimize cancellations and ensure that ABA therapy sessions go on as scheduled.
3. Plan: Schedule ABA therapy sessions well in advance, taking family and work commitments into account. Planning can help avoid scheduling conflicts and last-minute cancellations.
4. Opt for In-Home ABA Therapy: If you are concerned about traffic or have difficulty traveling to the therapy center, consider conducting ABA sessions in the comfort of your home. This option can be especially beneficial for families with busy schedules or for those who face logistical challenges in attending sessions at a therapy center.
5. Stay Connected During School Breaks: During school closures, reach out to your ABA provider for special events. These gatherings offer therapeutic activities and peer interaction, ensuring your child meets their ABA hours.
ABA Centers of Georgia Supports You!
While cancellations in ABA therapy may sometimes be unavoidable, it’s crucial to recognize the potential impact on your child’s progress and therapy continuity. By prioritizing consistency and communication, you can ensure that your child receives the uninterrupted support they need to thrive.
At ABA Centers of Georgia, we understand the challenges families face in balancing various commitments while prioritizing their kid’s developmental needs. That’s why we’re committed to providing flexible scheduling options and comprehensive support to accommodate your busy lifestyle.
From personalized treatment plans, ongoing progress monitoring, and in-home ABA care, our specialized team is here to help families in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, and Marietta navigate autism while achieving complete ABA therapy hours. Call us at (855) 929-5058 or share your contact info so we can call you back!
