At Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy (BTS), we understand that each child is unique, with their own set of strengths and challenges. That’s why we tailor every treatment plan to your child’s specific needs, incorporating personalized activities and a recommended schedule of hours designed to optimize progress. Regardless of the prescribed hours, consistent attendance in ABA sessions is essential for your child’s success.
Below are five key reasons why prioritizing the recommended hours of therapy can have a profound impact on your child’s development:
1. Hours & Effectiveness
Just like a medical prescription, your child’s ABA therapy plan is designed to achieve the best outcomes when followed as recommended. Think of it like taking a medication: if a doctor prescribes daily doses and you take them inconsistently, the results won’t be as effective. Similarly, fewer therapy hours can lead to diminished progress. For instance, if a child is recommended 40 hours of therapy per week but only receives 20, they might struggle to engage with therapy techniques or resist learning. This happens because children on the autism spectrum often need repeated exposure to task demands to fully grasp new skills.
2. Financial Considerations
Opting for less intensive ABA services may appear to save money initially, but it often results in less progress over time, potentially leading to greater long-term costs. When therapy hours are reduced, families might find themselves paying nearly the same out-of-pocket expenses as full-time services, but with fewer measurable outcomes. Investing in a more intensive program leads to faster goal achievement, making the financial commitment more worthwhile in the long run.
3. Consistency & Goal Achievement
Therapy hours aren’t just a number—they’re linked to specific, measurable goals that are designed to support your child’s growth. When a provider recommends a certain number of hours, they base it on the goals they expect to accomplish within that timeframe. If your child receives fewer hours, such as attending only 20 hours a week instead of the recommended 40, they may only reach half of their targeted goals. This can affect the overall effectiveness of the therapy. Moreover, when the insurance company reviews progress at the six-month mark, they may reduce the number of covered therapy hours, and once hours are cut, it’s challenging to have them reinstated.
4. Preventing Burnout for Both Staff and Children
Progress in ABA therapy is a collaborative effort between therapists and children. If a child is not receiving the recommended hours, the lack of progress can lead to frustration and burnout for both the child and the therapist. Burnout can manifest in reduced motivation, lack of engagement, and diminished confidence. To avoid this, we encourage children to attend at least 90% of their prescribed sessions to ensure consistent progress and maintain a positive therapeutic experience.
5. Research-Backed Intervention
Research shows that early intervention is key to helping children on the autism spectrum thrive. Children at a younger age are more receptive to learning, and their brains are primed to absorb new skills. At Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy, we train our practitioners to use naturalistic interventions, which are seamlessly integrated into play-based activities. This method ensures that therapy is engaging and enjoyable, preventing burnout while maximizing the child’s learning potential.
By adhering to the recommended therapy hours and consistently attending sessions, you’re providing your child with the optimal foundation to reach their fullest potential. At Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy (BTS), we are dedicated to partnering with you to help your child develop meaningful skills in a supportive, engaging environment that fosters motivation and growth. Together, we will help your child thrive and progress, truly going beyond the spectrum.