Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based method for helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) develop cognitive, behavioral, and social skills. There are various options for delivering ABA therapy, but the one with the most benefits is center-based ABA therapy.
Children, especially those with ASD, respond well to the structure and consistency provided by center-based vs. home-based ABA therapy. In addition, providing treatment at a center can enable children to interact with others like them and develop crucial social skills.
In this post, Flywheel Centers, leading experts in the ABA field, describe in detail thebenefits of center-based ABA therapy. Read on to discover how you can grant your autistic child the best opportunity for success.
What Are the Benefits of Center-Based ABA Therapy?
The advantages provided by center-based ABA therapy include:
- Access to specialized resources
- Enhanced social skills development
- Consistency in therapy delivery
- Comprehensive skill acquisition
- Structured learning environments
- Catering to different needs
Let’s take a closer look at these advantages, which can help guide your decision when choosing center-based ABA therapy vs. in home therapy:
Access to Specialized Resources
When engaging in ABA therapy that’s home-based vs. center-based, there may be a tendency to improvise or make do with what is available. In contrast, center-based ABA therapy includes everything the child and therapist need to make the most out of each session.
A typical ABA treatment center may have the following equipment that may not be available at home:
- Specialized treatment tools and equipment
- Games and activities and other tried and tested items to engage a child with ASD
- Learning resources and educational materials
While it’s true that in-home ABA therapy vs. center-based has some advantages – everyday objects and situations can enrich skills and reinforce ABA therapy – the actual treatment is more effective in a setting where tools are proven to yield results.
Enhanced Social Skills Development
Another difference between the home and ABA therapy centers is the presence of other children with ASD that your child can interact with. At Flywheel Centers, our therapists not only foster therapist and child interactions but also peer-to-peer interactions.
This gives the child the opportunity to learn crucial skills, such as:
- How to greet others
- How to engage in conversation
- How to share and cooperate while playing games
- How to take the initiative and participate in activities
Consistency in Therapy Delivery
A parent or caregiver can certainly be instrumental in reinforcing skills acquired during center-based ABA therapy. Still, a therapist is essential for consistency in assisting the child develop the skills.
The presence of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and registered behavior technicians (RBTs) provides the professionalism and stability needed to acquire skills.
For children, particularly those with ASD, the consistency and structure provided in center-based ABA therapy is crucial. The regular exercises there prepare them for what to expect and imbue them with confidence in their achievement.
Comprehensive Skill Acquisition
Center-based ABA therapy covers the full range of skill acquisition that children with autism need to succeed in life. These skills include:
- Academic preparedness
- Behavioral regulation
- Life skills
- Ability to live and think independently
Therapy at a center provides the resources and tools that are conducive to comprehensive skill acquisition. In addition, a center allows the therapist and patient to simulate a wide range of experiences they will deal with in real life.
Structured Learning Environments
Although home therapy can create greater flexibility, studies show that structured learning environments are more effective in knowledge and skill acquisition.
According to a study published by the NIH (National Institute of Health), children with autism “mastered significantly more exemplars per hour when receiving center-based services than home-based services.”
Structured learning environments provide:
- Increased supervision
- Consistent and predictable routines
- Attentive care and observation of behavior and practical skills
Catering to Different Needs
Center-based ABA therapy can be adjusted to accommodate children with different needs. Not all children with ASD are the same, and therefore, a center with trained professionals can observe your child and pinpoint what kind of therapies will be the most beneficial.
Caregiver Involvement in Center-Based ABA Therapy
Some parents may not know about all the benefits of center-based therapy, and believe home-based therapy will allow them to be more involved in the care of their loved one. However, center-based ABA therapy cultivates and develops skills at the center while fully involving the caregiver with “homework” to complete with their child at home.
Common Misconceptions About Center-Based ABA Therapy
Many people have objections and misconceptions about center-based ABA therapy, believing it to:
- Follow a one-size-fits-all approach
- Make patients robotic
- Be costly
- Lack accessibility
However, center-based ABA therapy today is quite different from the stereotypes expressed above. ABA has been repeatedly tested and has evolved through the years. Behavioral therapy doesn’t make patients robotic; quite the opposite–working directly with a therapist at a center can result in a tailor-made program to fit each patient’s needs.
The notion that center-based ABA therapy is inaccessible and expensive is also false. This type of therapy has been proven effective, and an increasing number of locations, such as Flywheel Centers, are now offering it. In addition, greater availability means obtaining treatment at affordable prices is now possible.
Concluding Thoughts on the Benefits of Center-Based ABA Therapy
Center-based ABA therapy is the best way to develop skills and provide treatment for children and adults with ASD. Working with professionals at a center provides crucial structure and allows patients to access resources and the ability to work together with other patients.
Flywheel Centers employs only the most caring and passionate professionals, leveraging the best tools at six state-of-the-art facilities. Contact Flywheel Centers today to find out more about our expert center-based ABA Therapy.
