In-School ABA Therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah
School presents unique challenges for children with autism. Our in-school ABA services bridge the gap between home therapy and the classroom, ensuring your child has the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
Discuss School SupportWhy School Can Be Difficult
For children with autism, the school environment presents a perfect storm of challenges. The noise, the crowds, the constant transitions, the social expectations, and the academic demands can be overwhelming. Skills that work at home may fall apart in the classroom, and behaviors that seemed resolved can resurface.
This is not a failure of your child or their home-based therapy. It is simply the reality that skills learned in one environment do not automatically transfer to another. Generalization must be taught, and the school environment requires specific support.
Our in-school ABA services address this gap directly. We bring ABA expertise into the classroom, working alongside teachers to help your child navigate the unique demands of the school day.
Challenges We Help Address
These are some of the most common school-related challenges we help families overcome.
Difficulty Following Classroom Routines
We create visual schedules and teach routine-following skills so your child can navigate the school day independently.
Trouble with Peer Interactions
Our therapists facilitate social skills practice during natural opportunities like recess, lunch, and group activities.
Academic Task Avoidance
We identify the function of avoidance behaviors and implement strategies to increase engagement and task completion.
Disruptive Classroom Behaviors
Through functional assessment and collaboration with teachers, we develop positive behavior support plans that work in the classroom context.
Transitions Between Activities
We teach transition strategies and provide support during challenging moments to reduce anxiety and increase flexibility.
Communication with Teachers and Peers
We target functional communication skills that help your child request help, answer questions, and participate in class discussions.
How We Can Help at School
We offer flexible service models to match your child's needs and your school's preferences.
Direct Support Model
Our therapist works one-on-one with your child in the classroom, providing direct support during challenging times and facilitating skill practice.
Best For: Children who need intensive support to participate in classroom activities and social situations.
Consultation Model
Our BCBA provides regular consultation to teachers and school staff, developing strategies and training without being present in the classroom daily.
Best For: Children who are succeeding with accommodations but need expert guidance for their support team.
Hybrid Model
A combination of direct support during specific challenging periods and ongoing consultation for the broader school day.
Best For: Children who need intensive help during particular activities (like lunch or transitions) but can manage other parts of the day.
Collaborating with Your School
Effective school-based support requires strong collaboration. Here is how we work with your child's educational team.
IEP Support
We attend IEP meetings, provide behavioral data, suggest goals, and help ensure your child's educational plan addresses their full range of needs.
Teacher Training
We train classroom teachers and aides on ABA strategies, helping them understand your child and implement consistent approaches.
Classroom Modifications
We recommend environmental modifications and accommodations that set your child up for success in the classroom setting.
Curriculum Adaptation
We work with teachers to adapt academic tasks and materials to match your child's learning style and current skill level.
How School Services Begin
School Observation
Our BCBA visits the school to observe your child in the classroom, identify challenges, and assess the environment.
Team Meeting
We meet with teachers, administrators, and any other relevant staff to discuss observations and develop a collaborative plan.
Support Plan Development
We create a detailed plan specifying goals, strategies, service intensity, and communication protocols.
Implementation
Services begin according to the agreed-upon model, with regular check-ins and adjustments as needed.
Ongoing Collaboration
We maintain regular communication with school staff and attend relevant meetings to ensure coordinated support.
Working with Utah Schools
We have experience working with schools throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including:
- Salt Lake City School District
- Granite School District
- Jordan School District
- Canyons School District
- Charter schools throughout Utah
- Private and parochial schools
If your child attends a school we have not worked with before, we are always happy to establish new relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the school have to agree to allow ABA services?
Yes, we need the school's cooperation to provide services on their campus. Most schools welcome outside support, especially when it helps a student succeed. We can help facilitate conversations with school administrators.
How is this different from what the school already provides?
School-based special education services are important but often have different goals and methods than ABA therapy. Our services are specifically designed to address behavioral challenges and skill deficits using ABA methodology, complementing what the school provides.
Will my child be pulled out of class?
That depends on the service model and goals. Some support is best provided in the classroom during regular activities, while some skill teaching may happen in a quieter setting. We work with you and the school to minimize disruption to learning.
Is school-based ABA covered by insurance?
Yes, ABA therapy provided in the school setting is typically covered by insurance just like home-based services. The setting does not usually affect coverage eligibility.
Can you help with the IEP process?
Absolutely. We regularly attend IEP meetings, provide data and progress reports, suggest appropriate goals, and advocate for services your child needs. We can also help you prepare for meetings and understand your rights.
Help Your Child Succeed at School
Let us show you how school-based ABA support can make a difference. Contact us to discuss your child's school challenges and how we might help.