When looking for an ABA provider, families have a lot of factors to consider, such as scheduling, where services are being held, choosing who is offering services, etc. However, personal preference, age, location, and your child’s needs are ultimately what the decision comes down to. ABA is versatile and can take place in a variety of settings. Still, there are significant benefits to a child receiving therapy in a center (Center-based ABA).
ABA therapy centers are:
- Full of fun ways to work on skill-building and behavior
- Interactive with peers and therapists
- A great training ground for preparing young children for academic environments and social opportunities, always buzzing with chances to work on communication
ABA therapy is the scientific approach to understanding human behavior. It emphasizes how learning takes place based on how behavior change is affected by the environment. The principles and methods are recognized as an evidence-based practice by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.
Components of an Early Intervention ABA Center
Early intervention ABA therapy has become increasingly sought after over the last decade as the world continues to see a rise in the prevalence of ASD. In early intervention, the focus is on the “early years” of life, from 18 months (when a child can be diagnosed) up to around 5 or 6 years old—some of the most crucial years for development.
Therapy Rooms
The therapy rooms in an ABA therapy center serve many purposes and are set up to mimic a school-like environment. Here, therapists can work 1:1 with children for discrete trial training, speech, occupational therapy, or other focused work free from distractions. Working in a space like this allows therapists to control variables that might affect learning and provides children with structure and routine. When ready, therapy moves into busier environments where children must apply what they’ve learned in order to function in school-like settings.
NET Spaces
NET spaces are often a favorite for many children. They serve as open play areas that no longer feel like therapy. NET stands for Natural Environment Training, where clients choose activities they enjoy and therapists use these interactions to work on established goals. Skills commonly targeted in NET spaces include verbal language, listening, and following directions.
Lunch Room
Lunch is a particularly social and interactive opportunity for children at the centers each day. Not only are children with their peers, they are also working on manners, staying in their seats, feeding, and cleaning up, among other things. If the ABA center offers occupational therapy and children are working on feeding therapy, engaging in this work within a familiar area can build healthy associations.
There are also opportunities to build tolerance for new food smells, as well as chances to work on eating a full meal with distractions in the room. For anyone who’s experienced a school lunchroom, these are good environments to get accustomed to for school.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are not the most fun thing to talk about, but once you become a parent, they become an essential topic during the early years. A therapy center with dedicated staff who know your child and consistently work on potty training—when they are ready—can be a major support. Following a consistent schedule and routine is beneficial to any child, and therapists can also work daily on self-care developmental skills that are designed to transfer beyond the center.
What Are the Center-Based Benefits?
Full-time Hours
A full-time center allows children to maximize time spent working on skills with consistent support and reinforcement. Intensive therapy during early childhood can be especially impactful for building progress that generalizes over time.
Staff Supervision
ABA centers have a clear supervision structure. Children work with RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) who are trained and certified to support this population. RBTs are supervised by BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts), who are master’s- and doctorate-level clinicians. Centers bring entire teams together each day to deliver, monitor, and adjust care as needed. Learn more about what BCBAs do on our clinical excellence page.
Parent Training
Research suggests that center-based programs can offer more robust parent training opportunities than home-based programs. Parents are able to ask questions and receive consistent coaching from a dedicated team—supporting a truly collaborative approach.
Speech & Occupational Therapy
Many ABA therapy centers offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, or both. Children with ASD often benefit from support in language, feeding, and fine motor development. Receiving multiple services under one roof can reduce scheduling complexity and travel time, while also supporting coordinated care across the team. Learn more about these services on our Speech & Occupational Therapy page.
Summary
Parents have an increasing number of options when it comes to ABA therapy. When choosing a provider, ask the right questions and consider what is most beneficial for your family. Center-based ABA can help prepare children for real-world experiences with an emphasis on communication, social skills, and transitioning into academic environments.
For more information about center-based ABA benefits and research, visit:
https://allybehavior.com/resources-research/center-based-benefits/
Do you have a young child who is not yet enrolled in school and are wondering if Ally Behavior Centers is the right place to begin their ABA therapy journey?
Give us a call at (240) 342-2666 to find out more information, and we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You can also review common questions on our FAQs page.
References
- https://leafwingcenter.org/who-can-benefit-from-aba-therapy/
- Stokes and Baer (1977), “Train and Hope” — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1311194/
- David Satcher, MD, Ph.D., United States Surgeon General