We don't do ABA for our non-verbal son. My husband and i just couldnt see putting a small child through 8 hour days of intensive work, work, work. Focus, focus, focus. 40 hours a week is hard for adults, let alone children! Our son is happy, healthy, and we work on his special needs together at home. I wish you all the best with whatever you decide. i know we as parents just want to do whats best for our kiddos. Good luck!

@A MyAutismTeam Member Agree with mental exhaustion. Wouldn’t put E though that. Plus I don’t like it when she does anything out of compulsion rather than choice.

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A MyAutis...

I know i make it sound like "oh, my son is happy and healthy and la la la...life is perfect". But its not! He is 8 years old and has very little communication. I would change that in a heart beat if i could, but its not worth it to put him through mental exhaustion. I've been there, mentally exhausted, and no way would i wish that on my son.

Would he lose his place at daycare if you decided ABA didn't work out? If not, I don’t see the harm in giving it a try. He might like it as much or more than daycare. If he doesn't, and you don’t see progress, just take him out.

If he is happy, let him stay happy. Ask his input since he is 4 1/2. He can tell you even non verbally at that age if he is interested /having fun or not. Don’t sacrifice a happy well behaved child for compliance.