Guide to in-home ABA therapy for autism

Every child is unique and picking a route that is tailored to their specific needs is important in your child’s development and success. We have put together an Ultimate Guide to In-Home ABA Therapy In 2022 to help you better understand ABA therapy and to see if it is a right fit for you and your child. 

ABA therapy is one of the most effective forms of autism treatment utilized today and is accepted as a valid, evidence-based form of treatment by the American Psychiatric Association,  the U.S. Surgeon General, and the American Psychological Association. 

Where can ABA therapy be delivered?

ABA Therapy services can be performed in multiple locations like center-based clinics, in school, and at home. Often, the family’s care team includes therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs that work with your family to create an individualized treatment plan for your child. The individualized treatment plan is implemented through certain exercises that can help your child improve skills and behaviors in various areas.  These areas can include communication, reading, academics, social skills, and even adaptive learning skills, like grooming, hygiene, potty training and self-help skills. 

In-home ABA therapy has several benefits for families

Implementing in-home ABA therapy sessions can benefit your child and your family as he/she will learn new skills in their natural environment. They can also learn to generalize these skills to make them functional in their everyday life. In-home ABA therapy also allows your child to practice independent play skills, daily communication skills, and improve sibling and caregiver interactions.  ABA allows for your family to be involved in your child’s treatment sessions which has been shown to create positive outcomes for children with autism. 

ABA therapy at home is a great choice for your family, in helping your child maximize the proven benefits of ABA in a safe and friendly environment, providing parents and caregivers the opportunity to better understand the different ways you can support your child’s skill development. Whether your child is two years old or twenty years old, or if you’ve known about your child’s diagnosis for a long time or if you only recently found out, there is an option for every child and their family. 

Starting ABA therapy 

ABA therapy treatment begins after an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis. 

In-home ABA therapy work vs. center-based ABA therapy

If you already use center-based therapy in your child’s treatment, in-home ABA therapy can be performed in conjunction, as treatment plans are always individualized to your child’s needs. Families have seen positive outcomes when combining both in-home and center-based sessions as it gives individuals with autism the ability to apply new skills and generalize them to new environments, like in school or in the community. 

If you’re curious about incorporating both settings into your child’s plan, make sure to communicate with your care team in order to determine the best course of action to implement both settings, and align your child’s growth goals.  

What are some of the positive outcomes of in-home ABA therapy? 

Early intervention has shown to be beneficial for individuals with autism who are treated with ABA therapy. Toddlers, for example, can practice activities like potty-training, playing with toys, and getting dressed during their in-home ABA therapy sessions. 

If your child has certain patterns of behavior, there are various therapy techniques that can work with you and your family to help your child navigate difficult episodes. 

ABA therapy at home has also shown to help school-aged children, teenagers, and adult-aged individuals as well. 

School-aged children can practice activities like completing their homework and learning how to interact with their siblings or friends at the dinner table. Moreover, during in-home ABA therapy, adults can practice independent living skills and activities such as scheduling doctors appointments, applying to jobs, and cooking meals. 

Depending on your child’s age and determined needs, your provider may have different activities or skills they want to focus on and track. Every child is different, so outcomes vary and are based on a variety of factors including age, time of diagnosis, direct environment, etc. 

The in-home setting enables your care team to closely monitor your child’s behavioral development in conjunction with the regular activities and skills you practice with your child, like completing homework or doing arts and crafts. This gives you the ability to get neighbors, close friends, or classmates involved in the sessions as they get older and as they are exposed to different situations, people, and environments. 

In-home ABA therapy sessions can help your child apply the skills they’ve learned and practiced to generalize them to new situations, whether they be at school or in community settings like a grocery store or restaurant.

Getting the family and community involved 

In-home ABA therapy treatment sessions enable families and communities to take on a more active role in their family member’s ABA therapy treatment. This will help your child learn new skills in a more comfortable environment and empower your family and community with the tools they need to help support your child’s development. 

Involving parents during in-home ABA therapy

Parent participation helps foster consistency in treatment for successful outcomes. Direct involvement and observation will help you understand your child’s different patterns of behavior and empower you to support your child in difficult situations and episodes. Your care team will provide you and your family with the insights and tools you need to support your child’s development. 

Involving other children during in-home ABA therapy

Additionally, getting siblings involved can have a positive impact on your child’s in-home ABA experience.  Siblings can practice sharing toys, sitting properly at the dining table for meal times, and practice getting their school supplies ready for the next day.

Other children interacting with your ASD child can strengthen social skills in a comfortable setting and can help learning feel more natural and organic for your child. Furthermore, it helps your child in getting accustomed to their routines, which can help ease anxiety for them as they navigate new behaviors and tasks in their day-to-day life. 

Involving neighbors and community during in-home ABA therapy

If your child regularly interacts with and spends time with families and children in the neighborhood, they can get involved in the sessions as well. This could be uncles, aunts, cousins, neighbors, classmates, etc. 

Getting your child’s community involved can help everyone better understand  your child’s boundaries and shows them how they can directly help support your child and their needs.   After all, you’re not alone, and your care team at Forta is committed to partnering with you and your family to provide the best possible outcomes for your child! 

Preparing for in-home ABA therapy

If ABA therapy at home is new for your family, being prepared can help ease the transition for your child and help your care team be as thorough and as efficient as possible. Forta’s expert team of therapists is highly trained and happy to help you and your child with their development goals. 

Here’s a small checklist you can use to track what you can do to be prepared ahead of your child’s first in-home ABA therapy session:

Commit to a consistent schedule 

Sticking to a regular, consistent schedule can help reinforce lessons and encourage retention of positive behaviors. Keeping consistent appointment dates, if you’re incorporating center-based ABA therapy into your child’s care, will help support your child’s growth and development and eradicate scheduling delays in the current waitlist-laden ABA therapy industry.

Keep note of your child’s comfort level, likes, and dislikes 

These types of insights can help your provider personalize your child’s treatment and better understand how to help them navigate different, difficult episodes. Be mindful of any behavior trends you are noticing in different situations and make sure to communicate them to your child’s therapist. This can include your child’s favorite toys or books, as well as activities and toys they don’t like or situations that can cause your child distress. Your child’s ABA therapy treatment plan is never set in stone, so you can adjust treatment as needed.

Allow your provider to take the lead 

Forta care providers are highly trained and experienced, and are happy to help in developing a personalized plan for your child. They’re here to help you navigate your child’s ABA therapy journey and will be able to help your child increase skill acquisition and address any behavior concerns. 

Have an open mindset 

Your presence and assistance in helping your child practice certain skills and behaviors will help your child’s development and foster great outcomes. The Forta Team is here to help you and your child navigate and to equip you with all of the tools and skills you need in order to support your child.

Keep everyone involved informed 

While incorporating the family, friends, and neighbors/community into your child’s sessions, it’s important to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the appropriate boundaries in order to set your child up for success. Communicate expectations to everyone involved in order to advocate for your child and to help ensure that your child’s sessions are efficient in addressing their needs at the forefront, along with everyone’s participation and involvement.

Forta’s results-driven approach

Forta uses a results-driven, personalized approach to help your child learn and practice new skills, develop, and grow. Our world-class team of physicians, BCBAs, and RBTs work with you  to help you deliver in-home ABA to your child on their individualized plan, while in the comfort of your home, and through remote training. With a mix of compassion and fun, the Forta Team is here to help your family navigate all of the highs and lows along the journey and will equip you with all of the expert tools and resources you need in order to help your child navigate the different challenges they may face throughout their life. 

The Forta team is your biggest cheerleader. We are happy to support your family’s goals and are deeply invested in the success of your child. Forta is your partner and resource in implementing and navigating results-driven ABA therapy. 

Ready to take the leap?

In-home ABA therapy is a great way to help your child develop new skills and practice positive behaviors in a familiar and comfortable setting, with the ability of getting your family and community involved. 

Ready to see how ABA therapy at home can help your child? Contact us today!