Unfortunately, a growing number of kids are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders from autism to Aspergers Syndrome. For many of the parents of these children, treatment offered by insurance companies is minimal and many uninsured parents feel as though they have no option at all. While Applied Behavior Analysis is the most recommended treatment for children who have an ASD, the children of those without the funding to pay for treatment are often left behind. For parents in this situation, a home ABA therapy program may be the answer.
A home ABA program is much like a program that would take place with a clinician in an office based setting, with the major differences being that the child is in their own home, where they are more likely to feel at ease and being taught by a parent, another source of comfort. Learning to utilize ABA requires a fair amount of research and dedication of parents, but can be as effective as more expensive programs. While therapy programs can cost upwards of $50,000 a year, a professionally designed home program that is doctor approved and contains all of the needed materials can be purchased for only a few hundred dollars, a one time fee. They key to ABA is not who is teaching, but how they teach and that they follow the appropriate standards and guidelines. Many parents make highly successful ABA instructors and many go on to teach other children using the method as well.
Teaching ABA at home requires a significant amount of dedication as well as the understanding that the primary goal is to help your child learn and function at the level needed to attend and succeed in a standard school. Applied Behavior Analysis is not a cure for autism spectrum disorders and no known cure exists, but the program has been proven consistently over the last fifty years to help children with ASD to function to their maximum potential and helping many to exhibit normal levels of functioning and socializing.
By providing ABA therapy at home using the recommended materials, methods, and guidelines, you are offering your child a better quality of life. While children may be resistant and progress may seem slow at first, repetition and persistence can help ABA therapy to provide remarkable results. All parents are encouraged to look into Applied Behavior Analysis and to determine if a clinical or home setting would be best for their child and their finances. ABA is not a miracle cure, but many parents do find it to be a miracle treatment.
Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential. MP’s courses developed by 2 PhD BCBA’s were created to empower parents and school systems to provide effective and affordable training to school systems. To see more visit www.maximumpotentialkids.com