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 supportive 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

• 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 provide related services like speech, occupational, and physical therapy, all within a group setting.

• Benefits of Special Education Preschool Programs:

  • Provides a structured environment where students can learn alongside peers with similar needs.
  • Offers access to related services in one place.
  • Provides social opportunities for students.

• Limitations of Special Education Preschool Programs:

  • Limited Hours: Programs only run 5 hours per day.
  • 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 be able to address autism-specific behavioral concerns, such as tantrums, aggression, 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 challenges. At The Behavior Place, ABA therapy is offered in a full-day program, running for 7 hours per day, providing 1:1, 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 support 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 7 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. Parents can meet with their child's clinical supervisor weekly, in person or remotely, both one-on-one and in a group setting with other parents.
  • Focus on Behavior and Functional Skills: ABA therapy helps reduce challenging or dangerous behaviors while teaching important life skills, such as following directions, managing transitions, and self-regulation.

• Benefits of Center-Based ABA Therapy:

  • Learning Happens Quickly: With 7 hours of therapy per day, children experience faster, more consistent progress.
  • Learning is Fun: Our program focuses on making sure your child is happy, relaxed, and engaged throughout the day. We incorporate learning through play, and tailor instruction using your child's interests.
  • 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, 7 hours per day, focusing on individualized therapy and consistent progress. A longer program allows for more learning opportunities!

• 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: Group-based, with higher child to teacher ratios.
  • Center-Based ABA Therapy: Entirely individualized, with one-on-one support that addresses each child’s specific developmental and behavioral goals.

• Therapy Intensity:

  • Special education preschool programs focus more on academics and the preschool curriculum. Related services are also provided.
  • Center-based ABA therapy provides supportive, daily intervention, allowing for faster, more meaningful progress in communication, behavior, play and social skills. The Behavior Place meets your child where they are at, and builds from there.

How to Choose What’s Best for Your Child

• Factors to Consider:

  • Your Child’s Specific Needs: Does your child need behavioral support and one-on-one attention, or are they able to attend and follow directions in a group-based learning environment?
  • Program Intensity: If your child requires a more supportive program with one-on-one instruction 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 tantrums, communication challenges, or difficulty with transitions, center-based ABA therapy offers a more focused approach to behavior management.

What The Experts Say

Read the full paper here

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, 7-hour program. This allows for more learning opportunities, leading to more skill development that is 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, supportive approach, The Behavior Place’s center-based ABA therapy may be the right choice for your family.

Call 845-360-5744 to schedule a tour and learn how our 7-hour center-based ABA therapy can help your child thrive. Let’s work together to support your child’s progress!