Thursday, May 26, 2011

To ABA or not to ABA?

In the last few months before we quit ABA, our insurance suddenly deigned to cover a fraction of it. Now the therapy center is asking us if we'd like to come back for some hours this summer. Ahhh, the joy of deciding how much and what therapy to get!

To be honest, I haven't seen any big regressions since we quit ABA. Also, the twins qualified for 18 days of Extended Year Services (that's the most you can get, so I am happily surprised). Right now, there isn't even a little part of me that wants to take them back to the ABA center although I do miss the therapists. Am I denying them something that might help them? My gut says no, but who knows?

The alternative summer plan:
They will be getting many, many hours of aquatic therapy (aka floating around in the neighborhood pool with Mom). Also ample opportunity to use technical interfaces (IPad), and various community outings (Target, Walmart, Kroger). They will have access to an embarrassingly large library of children's books (my shopping weakness) and opportunities for play in inclusive groups (the neighbors' children and their big brother). We will be working on trying new foods, using the toilet (God willing) and staying clothed.

Even to myself I sound defensive, but we'll see how it goes.

6 comments:

burgiboogie said...

I am looking for any reason to quit ABA, but I just can't say no, when insurance pays for it. But I honestly have no use for it except, that it keeps Cotton engaged for a few hours a day, and he looks forward to the routine of it. I do not believe that any gains he has or hasn't made in the last year have anything to do with ABA, so I say enjoy your summer lol:)

JD in TLH said...

Found your blog through Jeff Stimpson's blog. My little one is 5 (six in September) with ASD. Looking forward to following your blog!

KAL said...

It sounds like you have a solid summer plan in place :) We had a love-hate relationship with ABA and since John's school year program revolves around it, we started doing anything but in the summer.

Bear said...

This is the 1st time I've heard the other side of ABA. Most people talk about it like it's the best thing ever for ASD children. I've felt like a total failure of a mother because my son doesn't get it. Now I don't feel so bad. Thanks. I hope you have a fab summer.

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