Q

When to Stop ABA Therapy

ABA therapy is one of the most popular therapies for improving the lives of autistic children and adults through teaching meaningful skills and improving problematic behaviors. Establishing ABA therapy can be a lengthy process, as many ABA clinics or agencies often have long waitlists and insurance funding approval can take time.

The diligence to begin ABA therapy typically takes priority! Which leaves the question of when to stop ABA therapy overlooked or unconsidered. However, it is important to have knowledge about the factors that can indicate it is time to stop or begin to reduce weekly ABA therapy.

A

Answered by

Encure Support Services

In general, it is an appropriate time to stop ABA when:

1. Everyday routines and activities can be completed without struggle or distress

2. Therapy is no longer producing notable progress 

3. The autistic child or adult is not experiencing joy or happiness during ABA therapy

4. The autistic person is entering adulthood and will benefit from other supports such as vocational training, social groups, or assisted living programs. 

When to stop ABA therapy may be decided by the ABA board certified behavior analyst, by the parents or caretakers of the autistic person, or by the autistic person themselves. The decision to stop ABA therapy can be exciting and celebratory! It can also be difficult. Stopping ABA requires careful consideration, because while it is possible to re-enroll in ABA therapy after stopping, it can be more difficult to access ABA therapy when individuals are older in age (due to insurance age-caps). 

How long does ABA therapy last? 

How long ABA therapy lasts will be different for each person. For example, some people may benefit from short-term ABA therapy while others may require long-term ABA therapy. In general, those with more severe behaviors and very limited skills will require longer courses of therapy. 

Additionally, those who respond very positively to ABA therapy by learning skills quickly and showing rapid improvement in problem behaviors will likely have shorter-term ABA therapy as compared to those who require more time to learn and shower slower behavior improvement. One to five years of therapy may be considered shorter-term – and six years and over longer-term. 

How many years of ABA therapy is needed? 

The number of years needed of ABA therapy with vary from person to person. A few factors that may impact the number of years needed include: 

– Age at the start of therapy. Those who begin ABA therapy at earlier ages (5 and under) tend to show quicker improvement, which can shorten the total years of ABA therapy needed. However, this does not mean that those who begin after age 5 will necessarily always require more years of ABA as compared to those who begin before age 5. 

– Severity of behaviors and skill limits. Typically, more years of ABA therapy are needed when behaviors are more severe, and skills are more limited. There are always exceptions, though, and the exact number of years needed will vary from person to person. 

– Quality of life. Those with more severely impacted quality of life will benefit from more years of ABA therapy. As the overall goal of ABA therapy is to improve quality of life, those who struggle more with having a high quality of life because of an autism diagnosis will benefit from more years of ABA therapy and support. 

Concluding ABA therapy is a significant decision that should be approached with careful consideration and optimism. This transition marks an important milestone in an autistic person’s journey, reflecting their progress and readiness for new challenges.

By recognizing the signs that indicate it’s time to reduce or stop ABA therapy, we can ensure that individuals receive the most appropriate support for their current needs and goals. Remember, ending ABA therapy isn’t just about concluding a treatment; it’s about embracing new opportunities for growth, independence, and a fulfilling life tailored to the individual’s unique strengths and aspirations.

How Do We Stand Out? 

At Encore, we’re committed to providing a compassionate and meaningful ABA therapy experience. Our expert team creates a personalized therapeutic environment focused on achieving real, positive outcomes for your child. We blend our deep expertise with a caring approach, ensuring each session is both effective and engaging. By working closely with you, we create a supportive partnership that extends beyond the therapy room, driving meaningful progress in your child’s development. With Encore, you can feel confident that your child is receiving high-quality care tailored to their unique needs. 

Have more questions or want to learn more about how Encore can unleash your child’s potential through ABA therapy, schedule a complimentary consultation.