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Why does completing an ABA plan matter?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is known as a cornerstone in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Its structured approach helps children develop crucial skills and behaviors necessary for navigating everyday life. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily routines, cancellations of ABA sessions can inadvertently hinder progress and development.
If your child has recently started the ABA therapy program, you may wonder, “Why does completing an ABA plan matter?” While it can have various impacts, our therapists have primarily noted that missing sessions can result in slower progress or even stagnation in achieving the goals outlined in the ABA therapy plan.
Let’s delve deeper into this topic in this blog by ABA Centers of Virginia on how parents and caregivers of children with autism can make an effort to avoid cancellations in ABA to ensure the best possible outcomes for their loved ones on the spectrum.
How Cancellations of ABA Sessions Can Impact Your Kid’s Progress
Families navigating the challenges of everyday life, juggling responsibilities ranging from house chores to work, school, and extracurricular activities, may find themselves overwhelmed at times. Understandably, scheduling conflicts arise, leading to the cancellation of ABA therapy sessions.
While it may appear as a simple schedule adjustment, the ripple effects of missed ABA sessions are profound. Beyond mere inconvenience, each canceled session disrupts the delicate balance of consistency and routine crucial for the developmental progress of children with ASD.
It’s crucial to maintain a regular schedule of ABA sessions. Research by BMC Psychiatry underscores the value of ABA therapy, demonstrating that children who consistently participate in ABA therapy show significant improvements in cognitive abilities, adaptive skills, and linguistic competencies compared to those who receive conventional treatments or none at all.
Parents must remember that these cancellations can have significant consequences for their child’s development, including:
1. Disruption of Progress: ABA therapy heavily relies on maintaining consistency and repetition to reinforce positive behaviors and skills. When ABA parents cancel their child’s ABA sessions, they disrupt this consistency, which can impede the child’s progress. Each missed session can represent a missed opportunity for learning and growth, potentially lengthening the path to achieving developmental milestones.
2. Regression of Skills: Children with ASD thrive on routine and structure. Missed ABA sessions can disrupt their established routines, leading to confusion and anxiety. Furthermore, without the reinforcement provided by regular sessions, children may regress in previously acquired skills, necessitating additional time and effort to regain lost ground.
3. Family Dynamics: Personalized ABA programs often involve the active participation of parents or caregivers. When the kids and parents don’t complete the hours, it affects the child and disrupts family schedules and routines. This change can lead to increased stress and frustration within the household, further exacerbating the challenges of managing ASD.
4. Influence on BCBA and RBT Schedules: Behind every successful ABA session stands a team of dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). They meticulously craft their schedules to ensure optimal support for each client. Canceled sessions not only affect the child and their family but also disrupt the carefully planned schedules of these professionals. This ripple effect can lead to challenges in accommodating makeup sessions and may strain resources within the center.
5. Insurance Challenges: Many families rely on health insurance to cover the costs of ABA therapy. However, insurance approvals can be contingent on meeting specific criteria, including the number of authorized therapy hours. In cases where kids can not attend sessions or complete hours as scheduled, insurance providers may reduce the authorized hours or even disallow them altogether. So, canceling ABA sessions not only jeopardizes the child’s access to essential therapy but also places additional financial strain on families already grappling with the demands of caring for a child with ASD.
Strategies for Ensuring Scheduled ABA Therapy Hours
While it’s natural to prioritize various obligations, it’s essential to remember that the primary goal of initiating an ABA therapy program is to support the child’s growth and progress. Each ABA missed session represents a missed opportunity for learning and reinforcement, potentially hindering the child’s path to reaching developmental milestones. At ABA Centers of Virginia, we’re here to help your child make steady progress. We recommend trying out the following strategies:
Clear Communication – Constant dialogue with your ABA provider fosters mutual understanding and facilitates proactive problem-solving. By keeping channels of communication open, families can alert providers to potential scheduling conflicts or challenges, enabling timely adjustments to therapy plans and reducing the likelihood of session cancellations.
Create a Structured Routine – Making ABA therapy sessions a regular and non-negotiable part of the schedule helps establish a predictable routine and fosters consistency in scheduling. A predictable routine also allows parents and caregivers to plan their day around the therapy sessions and ensures that they do not interfere with other essential activities.
Contingency Planning – Flexibility is key in navigating the unpredictable currents of life. Collaborate with your ABA therapist to develop comprehensive contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt scheduled sessions. Whether it’s inclement weather, sudden illness, or unexpected events, having alternative session options, such as in-home sessions or makeup sessions, ensures continuity of therapy and minimizes the impact of disruptions on the child’s progress.
Utilize Resources – ABA therapy extends beyond the confines of scheduled sessions, offering a wealth of resources and support to families. To supplement therapy outside of session hours, take advantage of educational materials, online resources, and parent training programs provided by your provider.
Explore Clinics Events – When planning vacations, school breaks, or periods off, contact your ABA therapist to learn about any scheduled events or activities. Many centers organize special sessions, workshops, or outings tailored to clients’ needs and interests. By participating in these events, families can make the most of their time off while still engaging in therapeutic activities and not missing any ABA sessions.
ABA Centers of Virginia Supports Your Journey!
The impact of canceled ABA sessions on children with ASD extends beyond the immediate loss of therapy time. It affects the entire ecosystem of support, including the schedules of ABA therapists.
For families in Arlington, Washington, D.C., and other areas of Virginia, ABA Centers of Virginia stands ready to provide comprehensive support and guidance. Our team of experienced professionals maximizes the potential of children on the spectrum within their capabilities and goals.
Call us at (855) 957-1892 or schedule a free consultation to learn about our autism care services and how ABA therapy can maximize your loved one’s abilities.
