If you’re a parent of a child diagnosed with Autism, you’re doing everything in your power to provide them with the best support and care. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is recommended as the best practice for children with Autism by both the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.
Research suggests that early intensive ABA intervention, often ranging from 20 to 40 hours per week, can yield positive outcomes for young children. However, these hours can vary depending on your child’s needs and circumstances.
In this article, we’ll focus on this crucial aspect of ABA – how many hours does your child need per week?
Factors Influencing ABA Therapy Hours
Unlike other therapies, such as Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy, ABA Therapy hours can vary widely from child to child. Some children need only 5-10 hours per week, while others benefit from up to 40 hours per week. Some of the factors influencing the number of recommended hours are:
- Child’s Age
- Severity of Autism
- Individual Assessments
- Behavioral Goals
- Comorbid Conditions
- Family Involvement
- Progress Rate
Child’s Age
The age of your child can significantly influence the number of ABA therapy hours they may need. Early intervention is often seen as a golden opportunity, as young minds are incredibly adaptable. Starting ABA therapy early can pave the way for more rapid progress and long-term benefits. However, ABA therapy can also be highly effective for older children.
Severity of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of developmental conditions, often referred to as “levels.” These levels are categorized as Level 1 (mild), Level 2 (moderate), and Level 3 (severe), and they primarily reflect the degree of support a child may require.
Note: These levels do not tell the full picture of a child, nor do they communicate a child’s strengths, unique personality, and preferences. At Westside, we use our own evaluation process independent of the “level” your child may have been diagnosed with. However, if you are looking for a ballpark number of recommended ABA hours based on your child’s diagnosis, you can use the estimates below.
- Level 1 (Mild): Children at this level typically exhibit mild symptoms and are often able to function relatively independently. They may have some social challenges and repetitive behaviors, but they can engage with others and have functional communication skills. A recommended range of ABA therapy hours may vary from 10-20 hours per week.
- Level 2 (Moderate): Children with moderate Autism often face more pronounced social and communication difficulties. They may require more structured support to develop these skills. For children at this level, recommended ABA therapy hours might fall within the range of 20-30 hours per week.
- Level 3 (Severe): Children with severe Autism often have significant challenges in communication and social interaction. Their behaviors can be more disruptive and repetitive. ABA therapy is typically more intensive for these children, and recommended hours may range from 30-40 hours per week.
It’s important to emphasize that there are many factors involved in determining ABA hours, and these all need to be considered together. A child with Level 1 Autism may need more than 10-20 hours, and a child with Level 3 may need less. The goal of ABA therapy is to support each child in reaching their fullest potential, regardless of their level of Autism. Therapy hours may be adjusted as the child progresses and their needs change.
Individual Assessments
At Westside, ABA Therapy always begins with a detailed and comprehensive assessment of your child’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges. This allows us to develop a personalized plan tailored to your child, and to determine how many hours of ABA are needed to reach the goals in this plan.
During the assessment process, our team of experienced ABA therapists will conduct thorough evaluations, often including observations, interviews, and standardized assessments. These evaluations are designed to gain a deep understanding of your child’s behavior, communication skills, social interactions, and any areas of concern. Through this initial evaluation, we can pinpoint the specific areas where your child can benefit most from intervention.
Behavioral Goals
Behavioral goals are a key factor in determining the recommended number of ABA therapy hours for your child. Children facing challenging behaviors, such as aggression, elopement, or difficulties with communication, may require a more intensive approach to address these specific issues.
Comorbid Conditions
Comorbid conditions are medical or psychological conditions that occur alongside Autism. These comorbid conditions can vary widely from child to child, making each case unique and complex. Some common comorbid conditions that children with Autism may experience include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, sensory processing disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.
These conditions can affect the number of recommended ABA hours, as they impact the child’s overall well-being and ability to engage in therapy effectively.
Family Involvement
As with any therapy or intervention, family involvement is key to a child’s success. Families who are supportive and open to carrying over ABA strategies at home will help their child progress more quickly and possibly require fewer ABA hours. The consistency and continuity of these strategies both at Westside and in the home environment help children reach their goals sooner.
Progress Rate
Children who progress quickly through their ABA goals will likely require fewer hours over time. The goal of ABA is to gradually diminish the required hours and support as the child gains new skills. However, the pace of this transition depends on how quickly a child learns new skills and progresses through their personalized plan.
This progress rate is highly individual and influenced by a number of factors, including the child’s unique needs, the consistency of therapy implementation, and the effectiveness of the intervention strategies used.
Balancing ABA Therapy With Other Commitments
Navigating your child’s Autism and therapies involves finding a delicate balance between therapy hours and other activities. While ABA therapy is essential for skill development and behavior modification, it’s also important to consider the bigger picture.
Here are some key strategies to help families strike that balance:
1. Collaborative Scheduling: Work closely with your ABA therapy team to create a schedule that accommodates your child’s school, extracurricular activities, and family time. Try to “piggy-back” therapy sessions to reduce the amount of commuting time. For example, have your child go straight from Occupational Therapy into ABA therapy.
2. Communication is Key: Regular and open communication between your ABA team, your family, and your child’s teachers is essential. ABA therapists can provide guidance on how to integrate ABA strategies into everyday life, both at home and at school, to promote consistency.
3. Define Priorities: Identify your child’s priorities and areas where they need support the most. This will help you allocate the right amount of time and resources to each aspect of their development.
4. Encourage Independence: ABA therapy aims to teach skills that enhance independence. As your child progresses, they may require fewer therapy hours, allowing them to take on more responsibilities and activities independently.
5. Self-Care: Remember that your well-being matters too. Caring for a child with Autism can be demanding, so don’t forget to allocate time for self-care and family relaxation. If you are struggling to find a balance or simply need someone to talk to, Westside also offers Parent Counseling.
If you’re interested in ABA therapy or other Westside services, please click the link below or call us at (815) 469-1500 and our team will walk you through the process.
