If you're the parent of a toddler or preschooler with autism, finding the right support for your child’s development can be challenging. Many families explore options like special education preschool programs that offer related services, while others consider more intensive therapy models such as center-based ABA therapy.

In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between these two approaches, focusing on the hours of service, individualized care, and the types of support provided. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about the best option for your child.

Understanding Special Education Preschool Programs with Related Services

• What Is a Special Education Preschool Program?
  Special education preschool programs are designed for children with developmental delays, including autism, and typically run for 5 hours per day. These programs include related services like speech, occupational, and physical therapy, all within a group setting.

• What Services Are Typically Provided (if your child qualifies for them)?

  • Speech Therapy: Focuses on communication development.
  • Occupational Therapy: Helps with fine motor skills and self-care tasks.
  • Physical Therapy: Works on improving gross motor abilities, such as balance and coordination.

• Benefits of Special Education Preschool Programs:

  • Provides a structured environment where children can learn alongside peers with similar needs.
  • Offers access to multiple services like speech and OT in one place.
  • Helps children gain social skills through group-based learning.

• Limitations of Special Education Preschool Programs:

  • Limited Therapy Hours: With only 5 hours per day, the time available for related services like speech or OT is often short (e.g., 30-minute sessions 1-2 times per week).
  • Group-Based Approach: The program often focuses on group activities, meaning less individualized instruction and attention.
  • Less Focus on Behavioral Challenges: These programs may not address autism-specific behavioral concerns, such as meltdowns or difficulty transitioning between activities.

What Is Center-Based ABA Therapy?

• What Is ABA Therapy?
  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a well-researched, effective approach that helps children with autism improve communication, social skills, and behavior. At The Behavior Place, ABA therapy is offered in a full-day program, running for 8 hours per day, providing intensive, individualized support.

• Key Features of Center-Based ABA Therapy at The Behavior Place:

  • Individualized Therapy Plans: Tailored to each child’s specific needs, ensuring they get the attention and intervention necessary to make meaningful progress.
  • One-on-One Therapy: Children work directly with trained behavior technicians for focused, personalized care.
  • Full-Day Support: The program runs for 8 hours a day, providing ample time for learning, practicing skills, and consistent behavior intervention.
  • Parent Coaching: Parents are regularly involved and supported with training, so they can continue reinforcing progress at home.
  • Focus on Behavior and Functional Skills: ABA therapy helps reduce problem behaviors while teaching important life skills, such as following directions, managing transitions, and self-regulation.

• Benefits of Center-Based ABA Therapy:

  • Intensive Learning: With 8 hours of therapy per day, children experience faster, more consistent progress.
  • Individualized Attention: Each child’s therapy plan is personalized to their unique needs, with one-on-one instruction throughout the day.
  • Behavior-Focused: ABA directly addresses autism-related challenges, such as difficulty with transitions, social skills, and managing emotions.

Comparing Special Education Preschool Programs vs. Center-Based ABA Therapy

• Daily Program Hours:

  • Special Education Preschool Programs: Typically run for 5 hours per day with a group-based structure.
  • The Behavior Place Center-Based ABA Therapy: Offers a full-day program, 8 hours per day, focusing on individualized therapy and intensive learning.

• Social Interaction Opportunities:

  • Special education preschool programs may provide more peer interaction in a group setting.
  • Center-based ABA therapy offers structured social interactions where social skills are explicitly taught and reinforced.

• Individualized vs. Group Focus:

  • Special Education Preschool Programs: Primarily group-based, with limited individual therapy sessions for speech or OT.
  • Center-Based ABA Therapy: Entirely individualized, with one-on-one therapy that addresses each child’s specific developmental and behavioral goals.

• Therapy Intensity:

  • Special education preschool programs provide fewer hours of therapy, often limited to 1-2 sessions per week for speech and OT.
  • Center-based ABA therapy provides intensive, daily intervention, allowing for faster, more meaningful progress in communication, behavior, and social skills.

How to Choose What’s Best for Your Child

• Factors to Consider:

  • Your Child’s Specific Needs: Does your child need intensive behavior support and one-on-one attention, or do they benefit more from a group-based learning environment?
  • Program Intensity: If your child requires a more intensive, full-day program to make significant progress, center-based ABA therapy may be the better option.
  • Behavioral Support: If your child struggles with autism-specific behavioral challenges, such as meltdowns or difficulty with transitions, center-based ABA therapy offers a more focused approach to behavior management.

• Expert Opinion:
  Research shows that early, intensive interventions, like ABA therapy, can lead to significant improvements in communication, social skills, and behavior. While special education preschool programs may provide a supportive environment, ABA therapy is more individualized and intensive, which often leads to faster and more impactful progress.

Why Choose The Behavior Place Center-Based ABA Therapy?

• A Comprehensive Approach:
  The Behavior Place provides individualized, evidence-based ABA therapy in a full-day, 8-hour program. This allows for more consistent, intensive learning and skill development, tailored to your child’s needs.

• Parent Involvement and Coaching:
  We believe in empowering parents through ongoing coaching and support, ensuring that the skills your child learns in therapy carry over into home life.

• Real Results:
  Children in our center-based program make faster progress due to the extended daily therapy hours and personalized attention. We focus on real-world skills and behavioral improvements that enhance daily living and prepare your child for future success.

Take the Next Step

Choosing between a special education preschool program and center-based ABA therapy is an important decision. If your child needs a more individualized, intensive approach, The Behavior Place’s center-based ABA therapy may be the right choice for your family.

Visit behaviorplace.com to schedule a tour and learn how our 8-hour center-based ABA therapy can help your child thrive. Let’s work together to support your child’s progress!