ABA Therapy vs. Traditional School: What’s Best for Your Child?
If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, you’re not alone, and you likely have big decisions to make about their future. One of the most common questions families ask is: Should we start applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy or enroll in a school-based program like special education?
Both options offer different benefits, but research shows that early, individualized ABA therapy can help children with autism build strong communication, social, and daily living skills. These skills are essential for success in school and beyond.
Let’s examine the science more closely and consider how Action Behavior Centers (ABC) supports children and families on this journey.
The rise in autism diagnoses
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism is being diagnosed more often in the U.S., with 1 in 31 children receiving a diagnosis by age 8.1 That means more families are navigating choices about therapies, education, and care than ever before.
There’s no medication or cure for autism, but there is a lot of research showing that applied behavior analysis therapy helps children with autism learn, grow, and reach important milestones.
What is ABA therapy?
ABA therapy is a science-backed approach that helps children learn new behaviors and skills. It can help with:
- Talking and communication
- Social interaction
- Daily living and self-care
- Emotion regulation
- School readiness
At Action Behavior Centers, ABA therapy is tailored to your child’s unique needs and interests. We believe in making therapy fun and meaningful so your child stays engaged and feels safe while learning.
Long-term benefits of ABA
A 2022 review by the Association for Behavior Analysis International found that early, intensive ABA therapy leads to significant improvements across several key areas:2
- Communication and social skills: Children become more comfortable talking, sharing, and playing with others.
- Adaptive and emotional skills: Children learn everyday life skills and how to manage big feelings.
- School readiness: ABA helps children build the focus and flexibility they need to join traditional classrooms.
- Lasting growth: These gains can be carried over into other settings, including home, school, and the community.
The research also shows that children make the most progress when therapy is started early, follows clinical recommendations, and stays consistent over time.3 4
A more compassionate approach to ABA
Children learn best when they feel safe, heard, and motivated. At ABC, we use an individualized approach that prioritizes your child’s interests and preferences. Instead of focusing on compliance or outside rewards, we encourage children to participate in therapy because they want to—not because they have to. This helps build trust and creates more meaningful learning experiences.
What about traditional school?
Public and special education programs also offer benefits for children with autism, including:
- Peer interaction: Being around other children helps with social development.
- Academic instruction: Children are introduced to grade-level curriculum.
- Variety of experiences: Schools expose children to music, art, gym, and more.
However, many children on the spectrum need extra support before they’re ready to thrive in a school setting. Without strong communication and adaptive skills, things like sitting still, following directions, or asking for help can be overwhelming.
That’s why many families choose ABA therapy first: to help their children build the skills they need now so they can succeed in school later.
How ABC prepares children with autism for school
At Action Behavior Centers, we focus on helping each child reach the point where a school transition feels right. We use two ABA methods to support that goal:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): This teaches new skills one step at a time in a structured setting. It’s great for building basic skills like following instructions or making requests.
- Natural Environment Training (NET): This helps children practice those same skills in real-life situations, like playing in a group or following classroom routines. An ABA therapist is there to guide them and give support when needed.
These two methods work together to help children feel confident and ready for what’s next.
Compassionate ABA therapy near you
Action Behavior Centers is proud to be a trusted provider of ABA therapy for children with autism across the country. We offer evidence-based therapy at many locations across multiple states—with no waitlists—so your child can get started right away.
If your child is just beginning their journey or preparing to transition to school, we’re here to help every step of the way. To learn more about diagnostic support or how to get started with ABA therapy, contact us or ask your pediatrician about referring you to Action Behavior Centers.
At Action Behavior Centers; we strive to provide compassionate care for children on the autism spectrum. We believe that early Intervention can be a great foundation in building a brighter future with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABC is committed to getting your child started as soon as possible because every moment counts.
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At Action Behavior Centers, we provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, a gold standard approach for helping children with autism. Our evidence-based therapies are carefully crafted to meet your child’s needs and unlock their strengths and abilities.
