What is In-Home ABA?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is the leading approach for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental differences. While ABA therapy can take place in a variety of settings, including schools and specialized centers like Cortica, in-home ABA provides a unique opportunity for personalized treatment within the comforts of a child’s own environment.
Differences Between In-Center and In-Home ABA
In-Center ABA
Typically takes place in a controlled, consistent, and structured clinical setting
Allows for interaction with peers and others, providing opportunities for social learning, practicing transitions, and generalizing skills to different settings
Includes enhanced opportunities for clinicians to consult with one another in real-time, if beneficial for a child’s treatment plan Includes a wide variety of materials and trained professionals to enhance the treatment plan
Provides opportunities to practice following classroom routines, if appropriate for a child’s treatment plan
In-Home ABA
Provides a familiar environment that does not require a child to adapt to a new setting
Helps to reinforce desired behaviors using items and activities that a child already enjoys at home
Allows a child to practice everyday skills (including those related to daily routines and habits) in the same place where they need to use many of those skills
Ensures that family members can participate in sessions
Can be tailored around family routines
Why In-Home ABA Might be Recommended for Your Child
Clinicians may recommend in-home ABA services in instances where:
The child needs more individualized attention and support around specific needs and daily routines
The home setting provides better learning opportunities to advance a child’s treatment goals or caregiver coaching goals
The child struggles with transitions or unfamiliar environments
The family prefers or requires a more flexible schedule
Advantages and Disadvantages of In-Home ABA
Advantages of in-home ABA include:
Convenience: There is no need to travel for appointments
Customization: The home environment makes it easier to focus on daily living skills that are relevant to the child's routine
Family involvement: Families can be more actively engaged in treatment and learn how to better support the child in the home environment
Disadvantages of in-home ABA include:
Limited social interaction: There are fewer opportunities for social engagement with peers and others outside the family
Potential distractions: Home environments may have more distractions
Space constraints: Limited space may restrict certain types of activities or interventions
What Does In-Home ABA Look Like?
An in-home ABA session might include one or all of the following elements:
A brief assessment to determine the focus of that particular session
Skill- Time will be spent on specific exercises designed to improve language, social skills, or other areas of need.
Data collection on the child’s behavior will be collected for future analysis and treatment modification.
Caregiver coaching on implementing ABA techniques
While ABA may not be the best option for all children, it can provide a range of advantages for children with specific treatment needs. Qualified healthcare professionals, including those at Cortica, can help determine if in-home ABA is the right decision for your family.
Insurance Coverage for In-Home ABA
While insurance coverage can vary, many insurance plans do cover ABA services, including in-home ABA. At Cortica, we work with a wide range of health insurance plans. We can provide you with a benefits check and cost estimate before beginning services with Cortica. Please reach out to us for information about your specific insurance coverage.
