Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are disorders of brain development that are characterized by impairment in reciprocal social interaction and communication, and often the presence of repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. The onset of symptoms occur typically before the age of 3 years, although are often apparent much younger than that. It is called a spectrum disorder because it affects everyone differently and with different levels of severity.
WHAT IS ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a systematic, individualized approach to helping your child develop and learn. Since individuals with autism frequently have difficulty interacting with others appropriately, they may often miss out on learning from the world around them without direct instruction. ABA therapy, in response, uses evidence-based procedures to teach the skills that are delayed or missing, especially those that are fundamental for future learning. These skills include, but are not limited to: imitation, verbal and nonverbal communication, social skills, imaginative play skills, academic-readiness skills, and self-care.
WHY ABA?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “The effectiveness of ABA-based intervention in ASDs has been well documented through five decades of research… Children who receive early intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make substantial gains in IQ, language, academic performance, and adaptive behavior as well as some measures of social behavior, and their outcomes have been significantly better than those of children in control groups.”
HOW MANY HOURS OF ABA DOES MY CHILD NEED?
The literature recommends 40 hours a week. But so much therapy is very expensive and hard to find. Is it really necessary for a child to have 40 hours of ABA each week to be successful?
Both the Lovaas Institute (which launched the use of ABA for autism) and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board say “yes.” According to the folks at Lovaas: The best outcomes have been attained when a child receives 40 hours per week of behavioral treatment. Intervention should always be individualized, and some factors, such as a child’s age and current skill level, will influence the number of hours recommended. But, 40 hours per week remains the standard from which to deviate.
Of course, both of these organizations are actually selling ABA, which means that they have an excellent reason for suggesting that more ABA is better than less.
An effective ABA program needs a minimum of 10 hours per week. Many clients at Converge Behavioral Services, LLC receive about 20 hours per week. Some even do 30 hours of ABA therapy. Hearing that number can be surprising to some. Remember ABA programs are integrated into the natural environment. Therapeutic programs are play-based and fun. The ongoing, one-on-one support is designed to ensure every child reaches their individual goals.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD A BCBA BE SPENDING ON OUR CASE?
For every approved hour of ABA, the BCBA is allowed to provide 20%. For example, if your child is approved for 20 hours per week, you can expect your BCBA to provide 4 hours or services per week. They will try to coordinate this time to work directly with the Behavior Therapist. They also use this time for parent training. BCBAs also work behind the scenes to assess and update programs.
WHAT’S THE PROCESS FOR OBTAINING SERVICES?
Request a consultation
Schedule an intake appointment
If requesting reimbursement through health insurance, you will confirm your benefits and coverage for ABA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts assessment
Unique treatment team and plan are developed
Ongoing ABA therapy and Assessments are conducted