Let’s talk about center-based therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is known nowadays as the most effective early intervention for children with autism (ASD). ABA sessions can be done via center-based, home-based, or a combination of both.  Here at ABA Léman we focus on center-based therapy.

Center-based interventions offer social interaction along with other variables that increase learning opportunities to your child. According to a study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in United States, children with autism learn and achieve goals more faster when they are involve in a professional center than they do at home. The daily presence of the supervisor allows therapists and children to receive additional, direct and immediate support.  The study concluded that on average, a child can learn 100% more per hour when he is enrolled in a therapy center.

What are center-based programs?

Center-based programs mean they are provided on-site, in an ABA facility rather than at home, at school or in the community. This model is designed to promote your child’s learning across all skills of his development. This includes social interactions, play skills, communication, independence and coping skills. ABA Léman was created to provide a welcoming, fun, and safe environment, where learning occurs continuously.

Benefits of center-based therapy

Center-based model helps children acclimate more easily to new people, environment, and new situations. It allows them to have more opportunities for socialization as well as generalization of skills. Find below more advantages of enrolling your child in a clinic-based service.

  • Most families of children with autism want their child to transition to mainstream environments like a classroom. In center-based autism therapy, your child can practice that transition much more quickly than at home Helping children transition between 1:1 to group learning environments before going to school.

  • High frequency of supervision and consultation thanks to the presence of BCBA / BCaBA on-site. This facilitates observation, discussions, evaluation, and programming.  At any point during the therapy session, the BCBA can assess and modify procedures in real-time, if necessary.

  • Provide access to a wider variety of reinforcers.

  • Therapy centers have complete control over the environment. Your child will have contact with other members of the staff to help ensure generalization.

  • Lessen staff transitions. In-home program transition may suggest that your child has not met their new therapist. Within a center-based model, it is very likely that the new assigned therapist has already seen and interacted with your child.

  • Opportunity to learn, practice and follow classroom routines in advanced will make it easier to transition and adapt to school.

  • Create opportunities for social interaction. One of the most significant benefits of center-based therapy is access to peers. At ABA Léman we encourage and support your child to interact with others and to practice what they learn in their Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) without leaving our center.   

Center-based therapy offers a more consistent experience for your child. Constant expectations, environment and structured routines are fundamental for the success of services. Reduction of potential distractions will impact directly on the increasing learning of your child.

However, a combination of center-based therapy, parent training, and homework encourages your child to generalize the skills he or she learns with the therapist.  Remember that a skill isn’t really a skill if the child can only perform it inside a therapy session. Always achieved for generalization!

Here a sum-up of the advantages of center-based therapy that we just talked about:

1.     Peer/social interaction

2.     Therapists and BCBA’s collaborations on the spot

3.     Strong, focused learning

ABA LEMAN