How Long Do Children Typically Need ABA Therapy?

There is not a standard length of therapy recommended for every person. Instead, the need is determined on an individual basis by the BCBA and treatment team working directly with the child and family. ABA is an ongoing therapy that can grow with your child catering to their ever-changing needs as they continue to grow older. Although, some people may utilize ABA therapy for less than one year and some may utilize ABA therapy for 10+ years.

How Do I Start Autism Treatment? What Happens Next?

Not all organizations operate the same way, but there are some general steps you can expect to go through when starting out with a new ABA therapy provider. If you decide to work with Ascend Autism, we will assist you through each of these steps in order to begin scheduling therapy sessions as quickly as possible. Step 1: Contact an ABA Services Provider After receiving a diagnosis, you should contact a clinical professional to set up an initial consultation for ABA therapy. For this meeting, you should be prepared to answer several specific questions about your child and your family. This information will be used when developing the most appropriate treatment plan. Step 2: Assessment for a Customized Treatment Plan Once your insurance benefits have been verified, you will schedule an assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA will determine which assessments are the most appropriate for your child. After all assessments are complete, the BCBA will develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Included in this will be assessment results, treatment goals, therapy schedule, as well as teaching procedures, and data templates used to track progress during therapy. Once a plan is ready, the BCBA should schedule a meeting with the family/caregivers to review the treatment plan and make any final tweaks before the first therapy session. Step 3: Begin Therapy Sessions Usually, direct 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is performed via experienced technicians or RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians). The BCBAs are also intimately involved with all of the programming and treatment planning evaluation for tweaks and improvements. Throughout therapy, the entire team will provide updates and feedback regarding your child’s progress. Generally, the BCBA will set up monthly meetings to provide formal updates regarding progress and the treatment plan, as well as implement family training.

How Long Will It Take to See Results? What are the Outcomes?

There is no single correct answer for how long it will take to see improved outcomes from Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. ABA is considered an evidence-based practice (“EBP”) treatment by the U.S. Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association. More than 20 studies have established that intensive and long-term therapy using ABA principles improves outcomes for many, but not all children with ASD. “Intensive” and “long-term” refer to programs providing 25-40 hours per week of therapy for 1-3 years. These studies show gains in language development, social functioning, intellectual functioning, and daily living skills. Studies with adults show similar results.

What is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

At Ascend Autism, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is responsible for evaluating your child and determining the most appropriate treatment plan for their needs. A BCBA is an individual with expertise in the field of behavior analysis who is responsible for designing targeted intervention and assessment plans while overseeing Registered Behavior Technicians (“RBTs”) and other therapists. All BCBAs are required to possess a Master’s Degree in ABA, Psychology, or Education. They are also required to complete over 1,500 hours of direct fieldwork with ABA programs, spending about 50% of those hours learning how to work on ABA programming and data analysis. During the fieldwork, existing BCBAs supervise BCBAs in training helping guide them through their fieldwork. After all coursework and fieldwork are complete, BCBAs are required to pass the BCBA examination through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services.

What is a Behavior Technician (BT) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?

A BT or RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services and practices under the close supervision of a BCBA. Behavior Techs typically work one-on-one with the child in therapy sessions but do not design the intervention or assessment plans. Following successful performance as a BT, many pursue the advanced step of becoming an RBT. RBT is a nationally recognized certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To achieve the certification, one must complete 40-hours of training, pass a competency assessment, and a proctored exam. After receiving the certification, an RBT is cleared to work with children with ASD. RBTs are required to complete annual competency assessments to maintain their credentials.

Autism Therapy Programs

Based on ABA Therapy

Autism Therapy Programs at Ascend Autism

If you have a child who has been diagnosed with autism, you probably have dozens of questions running through your mind. Does autism have a cure? What does this mean for your child’s future? And, most importantly, how can you help your child?

At Ascend Autism ABA Therapy Center, we understand that each family has unique needs and challenges. We are here to help. Ascend Autism provides a range of treatment options for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), all based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. While there is no cure for autism, scientific studies report that children who receive ABA therapy see improved outcomes in terms of cognitive development, communication, social skills, and functional skills, which can improve their lives dramatically, especially if started at a young age.

Autism therapy programs at Ascend Autism are not one-size-fits-all. Every child with ASD is unique, and the therapy they receive should also be unique. Our services use evidence-based practices to provide individualized treatments to support every child and their family’s journey.

To learn more about our home-based or center-based ABA therapy programs, contact us today!

Our ABA Autism Therapy Services

Early Intervention ABA Therapy

ABA treatment is most effective when deployed as early as possible upon diagnosis. Early Intervention is typically utilized when treating children from 18 months to seven years old. The therapy is usually more intensive and consists of a weekly program of 20 to 40 hours of treatment.

Targeted Intervention ABA Therapy

If the child is older or if the broader set of autism behavioral challenges has already been met, an autism spectrum disorder treatment program can be pared down and focused on more functional activities including hygiene, feeding, chores, and social interaction. This level of targeted intervention usually requires fewer hours of therapy per week (typically 15 to 25 hours).

Additional Autism Therapy Programs

Children participate in an engaging social curriculum with similarly aged peers to learn and develop important social skills. Opportunities for social interaction are incorporated in all center-based programs at Ascend Autism.

Parental Training

Participation by the parents is inherent to the core set of therapy services. Additional sessions targeted toward parental-driven activities in the home can further assist the child’s development with regard to autism therapy.

Helping Children And Families Succeed!

Learn More About Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis is a science devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. ABA therapy includes the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relations between the environment and a child’s behavior.

In an autism spectrum disorder treatment program, the principles of ABA can be used to teach new skills, shape existing behaviors into new ones, and reduce the frequency of problem behaviors. Encouragement and positive reinforcement – not punishment – form new behaviors that help your child navigate social situations and gain independence.

How does Ascend Autism use ABA Therapy?

While Ascend Autism’s treatment programs are comprehensive, they are entirely based on Applied Behavior Analysis autism therapy, which is accepted as the most effective intervention for treating ASD in children, adolescents, teens, and even adults.

Our therapy sessions are conducted at our early childhood center, in the child’s home, or in the child’s school/daycare (if they allow outside therapists). Working in a safe, comfortable space encourages functional learning and helps them feel more confident with the skills they learn during and after the session.

Ascend Autism offers ABA therapy at our Hawthorne, NY, and Nashville, TN, ABA centers. In-home and in-school/daycare ABA therapy is offered throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.

How Much Input Do Parents Have?

Parents have significant input in determining their child’s goals and treatment plan. Our BCBA can only spend a few hours with your child; therefore, they rely heavily on your feedback and observations. You spend the most time with your child, so you will be able to identify areas where your child has made significant progress. Even after the initial assessment, our BCBA will rely on your feedback when it comes to mastery of skills beyond ABA sessions.

How Are Goals Determined for Each Child?

Goals are developed during the initial assessment conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The initial assessment involves a parent interview plus specific evaluations and observations of your child. Based on the assessment results and feedback from the parent interview, the initial goals are developed and documented in the treatment plan.

How Are ABA Sessions Structured?

The goal is to make ABA sessions resemble the child’s everyday activities. At Ascend Autism, we utilize a naturalistic, play-based approach to ABA that uses Natural Environment Teaching while still rooted in the evidence-based and data collection-intensive principles of applied behavior analysis.

How Often Are Goals and Progress Evaluated?

Goals and progress are constantly being evaluated. The beauty of ABA is that data is collected during every session. As such, the BCBA assesses progress and mastery of specific skills or programs within the treatment plan on an ongoing basis. Insurance companies typically authorize treatment plans in six-month increments, so a more in-depth evaluation of goals and progress that culminates in an updated treatment plan is conducted every six months.

What Is the Best Age for Autism Therapy?

Most children start ABA treatment between the ages of two and six. At Ascend Autism, we offer an early intervention program for children between 18 months and seven years old. Experts agree that starting therapy as soon as possible after an autism diagnosis is the best way to support your child. This early intervention is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of their treatment.

During the early stages of development, children go through critical periods where they are highly receptive to the world around them. We aim to make a significant difference in their long-term progress through ABA therapy by introducing specific concepts at an early age. Early intervention equips your child with the necessary skills to engage with their social and learning environments as they grow.

How Long Is Therapy Needed for Autism?

The length of ABA therapy varies for each child. At Ascend Autism, it is determined on an individual basis by the BCBA and the treatment team. ABA is an ongoing therapy that can adapt to your child’s changing needs as they grow. Some may utilize therapy for a short time (6-12 months), while others may continue for years.

More than 20 studies have established that intensive and long-term ABA therapy treatment improves outcomes for many children with ASD. These studies show gains in language development, social functioning, intellectual functioning, and daily living skills.

How Our Autism Therapy Program Begins

1. Enroll with Ascend Autism

2. Get an Assessment

3. Begin Therapy Sessions

1. Enroll with Ascend Autism

2. Get an Assessment

3. Begin Therapy Sessions

WHAT OUR FAMILIES SAY

Parents’ Testimonials

I love the team at Ascend! My son was diagnosed with ASD when he was 3 and our pediatrician strongly recommended enrolling him in an ABA-focused early intervention program. We started with Ascend’s half-day program, but ended up moving him to the full-day program (pulled him out of half-day daycare) because the results were so meaningful. I love that my son receives 1v1 attention from his behavior therapists, but also benefits from interacting with the other children in his class. Thank you Ascend!

The employees at Ascend Autism are friendly, responsive, and understanding. They truly listen and worked to accommodate our family’s needs. We are thrilled with the progress we are seeing as a result of ABA therapy! We are so thankful for the passionate and knowledgeable staff at Ascend Autism! I highly recommend to any families in Westchester County that are interested in ABA services for their child.

The professionals at Ascend Autism were patient, kind, and optimistic every time they walked in our home. For most all challenging behaviors, they gave parents and therapists the appropriate strategies to overcome them. When they were in my house, I always felt at ease and less worried about the week to come. They would instantaneously respond to any texts if a challenging situation emerged. We love the team at Ascend Autism dearly and feel as though they are part of the family!!!

I trust the team at Ascend Autism. They do a wonderful job and really care about the kids they serve. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an autism provider!

Autism Therapy Programs

Autism Therapy Programs at Ascend Autism

To learn more about our home-based or center-based ABA therapy programs, contact us today!

Center-Based ABA Therapy

Home-Based ABA Therapy