How Long Does ABA Therapy Last?
If you have a child with autism and are considering ABA therapy, you may wonder what the timeline is like for such a program and how long your child can expect to receive treatment. By understanding the ABA therapy timeline, families can feel more confident about choosing ABA as the best treatment for their child.
How Long Does a Child Need ABA Therapy?
The amount of time a child needs ABA therapy varies depending on their individual goals, abilities, and progress. Generally speaking, if a child is in need of comprehensive ABA, they may enroll in a more intensive program that takes place 30-40 hours per week. This can typically last between one year and up to three or more years. Once their individual goals have been met to transition down in hours, children may enroll in a more focused program which may take place for 10 to 25 hours per week. During a focused ABA therapy program, children spend time growing a select number of skills.
How Long are ABA Therapy Sessions?
ABA therapy sessions typically last between 2 to 5 hours when enrolled in a focused ABA program. If your child is enrolled in a comprehensive program, ABA therapy may take place up to 8 hours per day. Depending on the child’s progress, the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) may increase or decrease the length of sessions.
When to Stop ABA Therapy
The goal of ABA therapy is to help children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders achieve their goals and maximum independence. Your BCBA will consistently assess your child’s progress and give recommendations on whether they should continue with ABA therapy at the same level or transition to a more focused approach. In some cases, a BCBA may decide that a child’s progress is sufficient enough to discontinue ABA therapy altogether and transition back to a more typical school or social setting.
It’s important to note that every child is different which is why there’s no set timeline for how long aba therapy takes to work. Some children may only need ABA therapy for a few years, and others may need to continue ABA throughout adolescence.
How Long is ABA Therapy Covered by Insurance in Texas?
Most insurance companies will provide coverage for ABA therapy services with a medical diagnosis of autism. However, coverage levels can vary widely, so it’s best to check with your provider to verify benefits. Texas ABA therapy insurance coverage shouldn’t have an age cap or limitations when based on medical necessity.
Empower Behavioral Health’s ABA Therapy Programs
Empower Behavioral Health provides both full-time and focused ABA therapy for individuals of all ages throughout Texas. Our full-time ABA therapy program takes place 30-40 hours per week, while our focused ABA therapy program takes place multiple times a week with session durations to be determined after an initial assessment. During these programs, your child will develop communication skills, social skills, self-help skills, independence, and more.
We also develop individualized treatment plans that cater to the unique needs of your child. This helps us accurately measure progress according to what your child’s goals are. If you are unable to attend sessions in person at one of our centers, we offer virtual ABA services as well. Contact us to learn more about our ABA therapy programs or get started today.