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My son goes to an ABA preschool from 8:30-2pm everyday, with the exception of bank holidays. He goes to 1hr of OT from 12-1 once a week and we were doing 30 mins of speech after school once a week. After a very hard speech therapy appointment we took a month off to find new services (consistent therapist instead of rotating) I may have found a new therapist. My concern is overloading him. Of course I acknowledge I know my child and naturally I’ll see but curious how intensive your therapy… read more
I haven't posted on this website in years. My daughter is now 15. She's verbal but doesn't start normal conversations. She attends a special ed in high school and has OT 3 hours a day on weekdays. She also has 6 hours of social interaction on Saturday. She been doing ABA therapy for years and remember reading that most kids do it on average for 4 years.
All the experts advocate early intervention and our daughter hasn't really rebelled against it. She doesn't do much that is productive with her free time. She watches parts of the same youtube videos over and over again, coloring pictures, and looking at my phone. The therapy has paid off as she is getting faster at replying to questions. I think the special ed class helps because she in a classroom setting with other kids and she learns about different subjects with of the info sticking in her mind.
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/therapy...
https://moveupaba.com/blog/is-30-hours-of-aba-t...
Factors to Consider
Individual Needs: The ideal amount of therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach but should be developmentally appropriate for the child and consider their individual needs and goals.
Family Support: A supportive family environment with strong social supports can be crucial for a child's development and well-being, and the therapy schedule should not place an overwhelming demand on the family.
Evidence-Based Practices: Research suggests that while early, intensive, research-based interventions are important, there's not always strong evidence that increasing the amount of intervention provides better outcomes.
Recommendations
Prioritize Individualization: Focus on therapies that are tailored to the child's specific needs, strengths, and interests, rather than a standardized approach.
Ensure Balance: Make sure the child has enough time for natural play, relaxation, and spontaneous interactions, which are vital for developing social skills.
Maintain Open Communication: Engage in open dialogue with therapists to share concerns and ensure the therapy plan prioritizes the child's well-being.
Consult with Professionals: Work with healthcare providers to determine the appropriate amount and type of intervention that aligns with the latest research and the child's individual needs.
The therapy schedule you describe is quite common for a 4-year-old with autism. Many children successfully manage full-day ABA programs with additional therapies. The key is monitoring how your child responds and adjusts to the schedule.
Here are some positive signs that the schedule is working
- Your child shows progress Show Full Answer
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