Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that utilizes the scientific understanding of learning and behavior. It benefits many children, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA aids in improving verbal and nonverbal communication skills, attention, focus, social skills, memory, and other adaptive behaviors while simultaneously decreasing maladaptive behaviors.
ABA programs focus on three behavioral concepts, the “ABCs,” to positively reinforce adaptive behaviors while decreasing the frequency of problem behaviors.
The answer is possibly! It depends on your child’s needs and whether they need ABA therapy to access their education.
There are five ways your child could receive ABA therapy paid for by the school district:
1. Push-in ABA
Push-in ABA is where the school district has to pay for an independent provider from a private company to come and provide ABA therapy to your child throughout the school day.
2. Attending a private school that specializes in ABA.
These are schools that have either a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (“BCBA”) or any individual trained explicitly in ABA, like a licensed behavior analyst (“LBA”), on staff. These ABA-trained individuals work one-on-one with your child throughout the school day.
3. Attending a private school that utilizes ABA-informed teaching.
These schools have staff trained in ABA who utilize the principles of ABA while teaching throughout the day. While there can be opportunities for your child to receive one-on-one ABA therapy, they may also receive it in smaller group settings instead.
4. Home-Based ABA
This is when an ABA provider comes to your child’s home, either after school or on the weekends, and provides additional ABA therapy.
5. Community-Based ABA
This is when an ABA provider takes your child around the community and uses ABA to work on skills relevant to living in the community, such as using ABA to help your child learn how to buy groceries.
Start by requesting ABA therapy for your child at their Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) meeting. Be sure to explain why you believe that your child needs ABA services.
Suppose the IEP team refuses to provide your child with ABA therapy. In that case, you should consider other options, such as requesting Mediation or filing a due process complaint against your school district.
Keep in mind that the IEP team cannot refuse to provide ABA simply because they lack the funding, it is not offered in that school, or the provider at the school already has a full caseload. Even if the IEP team tries to claim that your child doesn’t need ABA therapy, this might not be true, and their denial may be a violation of your child’s rights under the law!
At Mizrahi Kroub, we believe that your child deserves an education that is designed to meet their needs and allows them to succeed. If you suspect that your child might need ABA services in school, contact us today by either filling out our online form or calling us at (212) 595-6200 to schedule a free consultation with our New York Special Education attorneys.
February 20, 2023
What Is an IEE and How Do I Get One for My Child?
Read More
January 12, 2023
What is Compensatory Education for Special Education Students?
Read More
December 12, 2022
Can a Parent Bring a Lawyer to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meeting?
Read More