Home sessions versus sessions in centers using an applied behavior analysis approach
When parents decide to seek out and apply an applied behavior analysis approach to their child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders, But they are confused about choosing between choosing the Applied Behavior Analysis approach at home or in centers that use the Applied Behavior Analysis approach.
Firstly, Choosing the Applied Behavior Analysis approach by parents is a successful choice, as the Applied Behavior Analysis approach is considered one of the most effective and evidence-based methods in educating children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders.
secondly, The presence of disadvantages and advantages in both options is normal, whether the choice is at home or in the center, and also that there is a difference in the success of the applied behavior analysis approach, whether at home or in the center, from one child to another. But both options are successful interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders.
Home applied behavior analysis sessions
When choosing home behavior analysis sessions, The Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will come to the child’s home to work regularly by implementing the child’s treatment intervention plan, A certified behavior analyst helps design the ideal space for a child to begin providing educational services.
The CBA may use other areas of the home environment for independence skills training. like, Eating training and toilet training.
But it is also good to have the space designated for learning at home so that the child can associate this area with learning time.
Advantages of home applied behavior analysis sessions
Familiar environment: The child’s access to a familiar environment at home is one of the best advantages of home applied behavior analysis sessions and ensuring the child’s comfort at home. Since the child learns in the natural environment at home where the behavior analyst can observe the child’s behavior in the usual daily routine, The child may interact with the behavior analyst because he is more comfortable in the home environment.
Another advantage of home applied behavior analysis sessions is that environmental distractions are reduced and the child does not need to adapt to new environments.
Suitable place and time: One of the advantages of home applied behavior analysis sessions is the ease of obtaining educational services at home without going to centers to obtain services as well without facing difficulties related to moving to new environments. Also, parents can select and schedule convenient times for them to start educational sessions without disrupting the parents’ daily schedule.
Family Sharing: One of the advantages of home applied behavior analysis sessions is that the family can participate in the natural environment with their children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. The behavior analyst not only trains the child, but also includes training the family and caregivers on how to apply applied behavior analysis strategies.
When parents choose to implement the ABA approach at home, It is easy to include the child’s siblings and other family members in each learning session. The behavior analyst can observe the parents during training on communication and social skills and train the entire family on these skills.
Home applied behavior analysis sessions can help reduce unwanted behaviors at home because problem behaviors often occur while the child is at home. Through home applied behavior analysis sessions, the behavior analyst can reduce these behavioral problems in the natural environment. These problems can appear in the following skills:
- getting dressed
- Use the bathroom
- Meal time
- bed time
- Brushing teeth
Advantages of applied behavior analysis sessions at the center
Organization: Studies suggest that applying a center-based ABA approach may help children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders learn faster than at home ABA sessions. The reason may be that when the child is at home and receiving applied behavior analysis sessions, he is surrounded by many familiar distractions, and the child may have difficulty concentrating during the educational session.
While home applied behavior analysis sessions may include the place designated for delivering the educational session as well as the center as well, so that it helps the child to associate the center location with the learning place.
Supervision: The application of the applied behavior analysis approach in the center, A greater number of BCBA Certified Behavior Analysts are accessible. Whereas a behavior analyst may come to the home and achieve effective educational results. Since in the center there can be more than one behavior analyst monitoring the child, they can collaborate and discuss opinions immediately.
Transitioning to the classroom environment: Implementing an applied behavior analysis approach at the center may help transition children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders into classroom-like educational settings. The treatment plan will include, Individual sessions with a behavior analyst but the child will also be able to practice what he has learned through artificial environments, Proficient behavior analysts can create a variety of artificial situations in the center including the classroom environment to practice communication skills and demonstrate positive behaviors in the classroom environment.
Social interaction: One of the most important advantages of applying the applied behavior analysis approach at the center is the ability to practice social interaction, as children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders can practice what they have learned at the center without the need to practice skills outside the center. As social interaction is important in the child’s daily life, the behavior analyst must reach the maximum possible extent of the child’s social skills and practice what he has learned in different situations and environments that prepare the child for the school environment or other social situations.
Reference:
Home-Based vs. Center-Based ABA Therapy | Benefits of Both (atgtogether.com)
