Free ABA Therapy at Home
Families who find it challenging to attend ABA sessions at an ABA center may benefit from free aba therapy at home. This type of therapy has proven highly effective and can be a beneficial addition to your child’s treatment plan.
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA for short, is an evidence-based therapy that assists children in developing and mastering skills such as communicating, self-care, social skills and employment. It has been scientifically proven to improve autistic children’s quality of life.
In addition to its effectiveness, ABA is also cost-effective – making it a viable option for parents who lack the financial means to pay for intensive therapy. Typically, ABA programs last three or more years and may be costly; however, many health insurance providers now cover some of these expenses.
It’s essential to find an experienced ABA therapist who can work with your child. Ask your pediatrician, local health care providers or search online for nearby providers; just make sure they are licensed and certified in ABA therapy.
You can also reach out to your local Department of Education to see if they provide autism services in your area. They may have a team of ABA professionals who can help determine if these programs are suitable for your child.
Some ABA providers, particularly those owned by private equity firms, have been accused of overbilling Medicaid in Florida, Arizona and other states. Some providers have been found to bill for more than 40 hours per week – far beyond the Medicaid limit of 20 consecutive days – leading to unnecessary expenses for taxpayers.
Other ABA centers, such as Hopebridge, have been accused of understaffing and providing subpar therapy. The company, which has offices across several major cities, said it has worked to address the issue by training its technicians and creating a therapist fellowship program.
Finally, you may find free or discounted ABA services through social service agencies. These nonprofit or public organizations are typically funded through donations or government assistance programs.
They typically only accept low-income families and children who have been officially diagnosed with an ASD or other developmental disability. While some may have specific criteria for eligibility determination, most will offer free or low-cost ABA services to qualified families.
To maximize your child’s benefit from ABA therapy, be patient and persistent when working with their ABA therapist. While progress may take some time, if you stay committed, your child should start showing improvement quickly.
Your ABA therapist can suggest some activities that can be done at home to supplement your child’s therapy. These could range from simple flashcards to more intricate games incorporating favorite items and interests.
When planning for your child’s ABA-at-home sessions, be sure that you have everything the therapist requires and that the environment is secure and inviting. Having picture storage boxes or covering certain toy areas with sheets can be helpful, as can being prepared to provide a consistent environment while they learn essential skills.
