Can ABA Therapy Be Done At School?
STEPONE > Can ABA Therapy Be Done At School?
- October 31, 2021
- StepOne
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the application of behavioral principles to therapy and is often provided in-home, via teletherapy or in a clinic setting. Parents and caregivers may find themselves in the position of choosing between ABA therapy and educational placement for their child. Thankfully, you may not need to choose! ABA therapy can be conducted in schools by qualified professionals, if it is found beneficial and necessary for the child.
Background
Historically, ABA therapy and public education were separate entities. However, there is a growing body of research demonstrating the efficacy of ABA provided in schools. With this, school-based ABA is becoming more common. ABA practices are based on decades of scientific research on socially significant behavior. The application of behavioral principles extends beyond the home and clinic environments. ABA can effectively be provided in school, out in the community, or any other setting that the child attends and requires support in.
Will All Schools Provide ABA?
Not all schools will allow outside ABA providers to provide services within the school setting. Per The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities are required to be provided with free appropriate public education that meets their individual needs. As such, public schools are required to provide ABA therapy if there is sufficient evidence that ABA is what will meet the child’s unique needs. Private schools are not held to the same expectations. However, private schools may still allow outside providers, in the interest of what’s best for their students. They may be less likely to fund ABA services in the school though.
School-Based ABA Funding
If you are pursuing ABA therapy in the school setting, consider your options for seeking funding. There are three main ways of receiving funding for ABA therapy in schools.
- Funding through the child’s public school. If your child qualifies for ABA in their school, it may be provided via the school district.
- Private health insurance. If your health insurance plan covers ABA in schools, you may receive funding through them.
- Medicaid. If ABA is deemed medically necessary for your child, Medicaid would cover the costs.
With each of these options, there is a process for securing funding that must be followed before receiving therapy. StepOne can provide insights into the process of securing funding as well as helping you evaluate ABA therapy in school for your child.
Therapeutic Methods For School-Based ABA
There are many evidence-based practices that can be used for children receiving school-based ABA. The methods used with your child will depend on their particular needs.
Peer mediated instruction is one beneficial strategy when conducting ABA therapy in a school or other setting with neurotypical peers. The child’s peers are used to help support the acquisition of social skills, prerequisite learning skills, and more.
Discrete-trial-teaching (DTT) is a structured method of teaching new skills. DTT is a helpful strategy for children who require this level of discrete, structured instruction. This method can be provided by a behavior technician or other ABA professional to increase your child’s ability to acquire new academic skills.
There are many other ABA strategies that can be applied in the school. Shaping, errorless teaching, and chaining are all additional strategies that may be implemented in your child’s school ABA program.
504/IEP Support
Another benefit to ABA therapy in school is the support of a BCBA in consultations regarding the development of IEPs and 504 plans. This extra collaboration can help ensure your child experiences the best possible outcomes. Furthermore, this ensures all parties are on the same page.
The Impact
Providing ABA treatment in schools can make a tremendous difference for those children who need this medically necessary care in an educational setting. If you believe your child would benefit from ABA therapy, reach out to StepOne today. We will help guide you through the process and determine the most beneficial treatment plan for your child.
Take us to school! StepOne complements in school special education through ABA therapy, supporting Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)/504 plans, and providing social and life skills training. Learn more at step1neurodiversity.com.
Resources
https://www.procaretherapy.com/resources/school-district/do-schools-have-to-provide-aba-therapy/
Hart Barnett, Juliet & Zucker, Stanley & More, Cori. (2021). Applied Behavior Analysis in Today’s Schools: An Imperative for Serving Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.