How Many Hours Should a Child Spend in ABA Therapy Center?

There is no one solution for every child, which, in this case, is a good thing. 

Each child is unique and their strengths, challenges, personalities, and growth paces are all different. What is effective for one child may not be effective for another. But that’s fine.

You know what is best for your child, and so the right ABA plan will fit that.

We are here to bring you into the picture in a clear, simple way and with as much feeling as we can. We describe ABA therapy, how we tailor it for each child, and how we make decisions as a team, with you at the center.

This guide is for you, whether you’re just starting, in the middle of your current approach, or looking for more detail about ABA therapy weekly hours. 

Why Hours Matter: Understanding “Treatment Intensity” in ABA

“Your child may require up to 40 hours of therapy weekly.”

This is something many parents must have heard often, and understandably so, it would have left them feeling overwhelmed. 

That is a lot of hours! And more so if your child is just starting or you’re trying to balance between therapy, school, family time, and rest.

However, it’s important to note that this is not an absolute rule. It is a guideline. Also, it is not about quantity alone; it is about quality and purpose.

In ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), we discuss what is meant by “treatment intensity,” which is a clinical term for the amount of time your child is in therapy each week. But that doesn’t mean it’s a forceful or aggressive approach. The approach should be supportive, playful, and primarily focused on your child’s needs and what is comfortable for your family.

So, what does the research say?

In the first three years of life, we see great progress in young children who achieve 25 to 30 hours a week of ABA therapy.

These also include direct therapy, parent training, and, at times, social group sessions.

But here’s the most important part: we develop therapy plans around the child’s specific goals, which may include improvement in communication, reduction of harmful behaviors, or just learning how to play with peers. 

We base the number of hours of therapy your child receives on these goals, which help to close in on the developmental gaps that may be an issue in day-to-day life.

When it comes to intensity, think of it as a tailored level of attention we put on your child, which is just right for their unique needs.

Customized ABA Hours for Your Child: A Step-by-Step Approach

ABA providers do not solely rely on guesswork to determine the number of therapy hours a child needs; this approach is not universally applicable. 

Instead, we see this as a very thoughtful and cooperative process that is led by professionals but, at the same time, very much rooted in your child’s day-to-day life and your family’s needs.

Here’s how we determine the ideal ABA therapy hours:

1. Initial assessment by a BCBA

Every ABA journey starts out with a detailed assessment from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This isn’t a mere formality; it is a very in-depth and personal process that we use to determine where your child is at present.

The BCBA will also observe your child extensively, either at home or during their daily activities, and we will discuss their behaviors, interactions with others, and reactions in various situations. This is the basis on which we will build all of the following interventions.

2. Review of Basic Skills, Behaviors, and Family Goals

This includes:

• Communication abilities (verbal or non-verbal).
• Social interaction skills.
• Challenging behaviors (if any).
• Emotional regulation.
• Everyday tasks such as putting on clothes or eating independently are part of daily life.

The BCBA will give you what you and your family are going for. What are your hopes for your child’s growth, or which skills do you want them to master? Whether it is sitting through story time, joining a playgroup, or getting through tooth brushing without a fit, your goals will shape the therapy plan.

3. Between a Focused or in Depth Plan

Upon collecting all that information, we will put forth:

1. A Focused Plan (typically 10 – 25 hours/week): Targets in-depth 2 areas of skill or behavior. This plan is designed for children who possess a strong foundation of fundamental skills but still need assistance in specific areas.
2. A Comprehensive Plan (typically 26 – 40 hours/week): The program is designed to promote growth in various areas, particularly in children with wide-ranging skill deficits in communication, behavior, and social skills, as well as issues with socialization and daily living.

4. Scheduling To Fit In With Real Life

Your BCBA will collaborate with you to develop a flexible schedule that accommodates your child’s school and nap times, their doctor’s appointments, and your family’s needs.

ABA can be delivered: 

• At a center
• At home
• Or through a mix of both

In either setting, therapy is integrated into daily life, which means we do not add to the stress that patients may be experiencing.

5. Continuous Improvement Based on Progress

ABA is in motion. As your child grows, the plan grows.

Your provider will do a regular review of your child’s progress, what they are doing well at, and areas where they need more support. From there, they may increase, decrease, or change the hours.

Also Read: When Is the Right Time to Transition from Home-Based to Center-Based ABA?

Tips for Families: Traveling the Road with Sureness

1. Ask the Right Questions: 

• Why are these the recommended hours?
• What support do these provide for the goals we’ve discussed?

     2. Advocate for What Works for You: 

• Your child’s treatment will be a team effort with your family.
• Initially, the schedule may appear excessive.

     3. Talk to Your Insurance Provider Early: 

• Some insurers have what is, at best, minimal coverage. A proactive discussion will avoid issues down the road.

     4. Pay Attention to Your Child: 

• Signs your hours may have to change include sudden fatigue, lack of progress, or emotional overwhelm. If they’re engaged and thriving, you may want to keep or grow your hours.

     5. Avoid “One-Size-Fits-All” Mentality: 

• If another child is getting 35 hours, it doesn’t mean your child should. Each child’s path is unique, and that is fine.

Common ABA Plans: Finding What Fits Best

Willow Reach ABA: Personalized Care, Right Where You Need It

In terms of your child’s growth and health, you want support that is personal, respectful, and very much a team effort. That’s what we at Willow Reach ABA do: we provide care that scales as your child does and which supports your whole family.

Willow Reach ABA provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the home and in center-based settings, which is what works best for each family’s routines, preferences, and comfort.

Here are the family-oriented and effective services we offer at Willow Reach:

1. In-Home ABA Services Near Me: If you are looking for in-home ABA therapy services that are warm and welcoming, Willow Reach ABA brings ABA therapy to your child.
2. Center-Based ABA Therapy: For those who prefer a more structured environment, we also offer center-based sessions.
3. Highly Qualified ABA Providers: All therapy we offer is conducted by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who have spent time getting to know your child’s strengths, issues, and personality.
4. A Team That Truly Cares: Our team has open lines of communication, we offer flexible schedules, and we work very closely with families at each step.
5. Family Involvement is a Priority: Willow Reach supports continuous parent training and participation, which gives families confidence to use the strategies beyond the session.

Related: What Parents Need to Know About Center-Based ABA Therapy Progress and Reporting

Conclusion: Trust the Journey One Step, One Hour at a Time

Finding out the exact number of ABA therapy hours for your child is not the goal; it is about what works best for your child, your goals, and your family’s schedule. 

It may take some time, a few changes, and a great deal of communication, and that is fine. We prioritize slow and steady progress, meaningful steps forward, and the celebration of growth, regardless of its magnitude.

In whichever of our programs we put your child in, whether it is 12 hours a week or a full 30-hour plan, what we see as most important is that the support we give them is purposeful, respects them as individuals, and is tailored to their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do ABA providers decide between in-home and center-based therapy?

ABA providers take into account your child’s unique needs, family choices, and daily routines. In-home therapy is used for younger children or those who do better in a familiar environment. On the other hand, center-based therapy may present social settings and structure. Many families choose to combine both approaches to maximize the benefits of each.

2. Can ABA therapy hours change over time?

Absolutely! In ABA therapy, we see that it is a very flexible approach that grows as your child grows. Providers constantly review the data and may adjust therapy hours based on your child’s development, family needs, and other therapies.

3. What should families expect from ABA therapy training sessions?

ABA training equips caregivers with tools to use in the day-to-day care of their child. Training also includes coaching in behavior management, communication methods, and which positive behaviors to reinforce at home and out of session.

4. How does Willow Reach ABA support families beyond therapy sessions?

Willow Reach ABA is aimed at reducing family stress by means of flexible schedules, open communication, and ongoing caregiver input. We provide personalized guidance and parent training, which ensures that the skills learned in the therapy setting also transfer to home and community settings.

5. What makes the approach of Willow Reach ABA unique compared to other providers?

Willow Reach ABA puts forth a warm and collaborative approach, which we see play out with each child and family as they are. We tailor therapy in home and in-center settings, provide great care in making families comfortable, and go into the details of communication to make ABA a positive and low-stress experience.
Stay tuned to Willow Reach ABA for continuous support, useful tips, and inspiring stories, which we share on our Instagram and Facebook, because every step forward we take is a reason to celebrate together!