In-Home ABA Therapy

In-Home ABA Therapy

Research shows that Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, is the most effective form of Autism treatment. To help individuals with autism learn new skills and minimize problem behavior, ABA therapy is often carried out in multiple locations, including in the home. To help you better understand in-home therapy and if it’s right for your child, Hunterdon Behavior Therapy created a comprehensive guide to in-home therapy. Read more below or contact us now to find out how our services may benefit you and your child.

Why Choose In-Home ABA Therapy?

In-home ABA therapy provides a natural, familiar environment for children to practice and gain skills. In-home therapy is a great choice for teaching functional skills such as joint attention, requesting and communicating wants and needs, cooperation in tasks, and imitation of others.  It can also be effective in developing independent living skills, such as personal hygiene, as well as strengthening social skills with family and close friends.  In-home therapy can also work on reducing maladaptive behaviors that occur in the home or with certain family members.  Hunterdon Behavior Therapy’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Behavior Technicians can also:

• Work with siblings of the clients we serve
• Involve parents and family members/caregivers
• Build skills with friends/during playdates 
• and much more!

As your partner in Autism treatment, Hunterdon Behavior Therapy works on the child’s needs in the setting where the most support is warranted.  Hunterdon Behavior Therapy’s BCBAs and Behavior Technicians can assist your child when playing with their siblings, sharing, and even daily interactions like sitting down to a family dinner.  Parents can watch and learn during the sessions as well, which can help you better understand how to support your child’s skill development. Even close family members, like grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can get involved. Hunterdon Behavior Therapy believes all children deserve to learn the social skills needed to create and maintain friendships; therefore, HBT works with families to give suggestions on how to set up playdates and maximize learning in a natural way.

At What Age Can My Child Start to Receive ABA Therapy?

Research shows that early intervention is key in changing a toddler’s developmental trajectory. Our Behavior Technicians work on age- and skill-appropriate behaviors, which is determined jointly by the parents/caregivers and supervising BCBA, to help toddlers learn important skills and reach developmental milestones. Hunterdon Behavior Therapy will focus on breaking down skills into smaller, more teachable steps while relying heavily on positive reinforcement so that your child is successful.  Depending on your toddler’s needs, they may practice toilet training, getting dressed, eating meals with family, following directions, language and communication and independent play. Our BCBAs and Behavior Technicians can also work on reducing problem behaviors that may occur in the home, and train caregivers on how to carry over the treatment outside of therapy sessions.

What will In-Home Therapy Look Like for School-Aged Children and Adolescents?

At Hunterdon Behavior Therapy, our BCBAs will work with parents and caregivers to create a customized treatment plan for their child. Hunterdon Behavior Therapy’s BCBAs will develop a unique and comprehensive treatment plan that caters to the needs of your child.  For school-aged children who are non-vocal we can assist in developing vocal language to help your child express his/her wants and needs. For school-aged children who already have vocal language, HBT can assist your child’s development of important social skills needed to create and maintain friendships, advocate for oneself, express/understand one’s and others’ feelings, and much more.  Developing social skills in a very natural environment can help your child generalize these skills to the classroom, community events and other social situations. 

For adolescents who are non-vocal we can teach alternative ways to communicate like using an AAC device, PECS or sign language in order for them to express their wants and needs more effectively.  For adolescents who already have vocal language, HBT can teach your child how to prepare his/her own meals, how to make doctor’s appointments, how to manage their time, and even practice interview skills.

In-home therapy is a great way to help children of all ages learn, practice and generalize skills in a familiar environment. To find out how in-home therapy could support your child, contact us today or view our in-home service areas.