In-home ABA therapy is tailored to fit every families needs, no matter how different they are. Whether a parent wants to focus on behavioral problems, language deficits, or independence with routines, in-home therapy uses a child’s natural environment to implement child-specific programs and provide training and a model for parents to work on these skills as well. In-home ABA therapy is an amazing option for little ones not in school yet (early intervention), as well as a great addition to center-based ABA therapy (after school program or summer program). There are many benefits of in-home therapy that a school setting cannot provide as well as benefits that help enhance the skills learned in the school setting.
The obvious benefit of implementing an in-home therapy is that this allows the therapist to observe and teach the child in his or her natural environment. Some children may experience anxiety and nervousness in unfamiliar environment which could cause difficulty learning as well as slow progress in addressing problem behavior. Observing problem behavior in real-time and in the child’s natural environment and addressing them as they are happening can provide a therapist with a better idea as to how to implement an effective treatment plan. The comfort of their own home is also a great start to teaching independence with routines (bedtime, morning, meal-time, etc.) and can provide a strong foundation to generalizing these skills to other settings.
Another benefit provided by in-home therapy is the involvement of parents/caregivers and siblings. Though a therapist can learn a child’s problem behaviors and areas of need, there is nobody that knows the child better than their family. Allowing parents and caregivers to be active participants in therapy session can lead to greater success as well as a more open line of communication between the therapist and the caregiver. This can also lead to parent training and the idea that the parent can help teach their child independence and help them manage their behavior with consistency and great progress.
Other benefits of in-home therapy include convenience and the ability to control factors that could distract from learning or trigger problem behavior. While in a busy classroom, other children, lighting, and noise can be hard to control but at home, a child’s needs can be met and distractions can be limited providing a better setting for learning and managing behavior. In-home therapy is also ideal for parents with busy schedules and multiple children. It provides a solution while still providing a safe and structured environment.
In-home therapy seeks to provide a good foundation for early intervention and work on enhancing the skills that are learned in schools or other settings. The benefits are huge and help with generalization of skills and behavior management in the natural environment. Definitely big things to consider!
Resources:
http://www.chicagoabatherapy.com
http://www.buildingblockstherapy.org
http://www.advancesonline.com
Integrated Behavior Services, LLC 