ABA therapy is a proven, effective treatment for children with autism, but how long will your child need it? The answer isn’t the same for everyone, and it’s based on a number of factors, including your child’s unique needs and progress.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
How Long Does ABA Therapy Last?
- Early Years (Ages 2-5): Younger children often receive more intensive ABA therapy, with sessions lasting 20-40 hours per week. This phase focuses on building foundational skills like communication and behavior management.
- School-Aged (Ages 6-12): As children get older and more independent, the intensity of ABA therapy typically decreases. Therapy may drop to 10-20 hours per week, focusing on academic and social skills.
- Teenage Years (Ages 13-17): Teenagers may still need ABA therapy for social, emotional, and life skills. The number of hours may decrease, but therapy can continue to help with job readiness or handling stress.
- Young Adults (18+): Some individuals benefit from ABA therapy into young adulthood, especially for independent living skills and social interactions.
Why Does the Duration Vary?
- Severity of Autism: Children with more severe autism may need longer and more intensive therapy.
- Age When Starting: The younger the child starts ABA therapy, the longer they may need it.
- Individual Progress: Some children progress faster than others and may need less therapy.
- Family Support: Families involved in therapy can help their child progress more quickly.
At Bluebell ABA, we provide individualized ABA therapy services in North Carolina tailored to your child’s needs. Whether it’s in-home ABA or school-based ABA, our team is here to support your child every step of the way.
Reach out today!
FAQs
How long do kids usually stay in ABA therapy?
It varies, but kids may need therapy for months or years depending on their needs and progress.
Can therapy stop when my child is older?
Therapy might reduce as your child gets older, but some children continue therapy for social and life skills.
What affects how long ABA therapy lasts?
Factors like the severity of autism, the child’s age, and their progress in therapy all play a role in how long they need ABA.
Sources:
- https://www.nature.com/articles/tp2017207
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5639250/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5639250/
- https://www.richtmann.org/journal/index.php/jesr/article/download/12943/12538/45751