There's not really a single definitive answer when it comes to knowing how often your child needs autism therapy services. Every child with autism is different so their needs are unique. While this is something that will be decided by a medical provider and therapist, there have been numerous studies done that show how much therapy is recommended for each child.

Knowing how much therapy is needed makes it important to understand what kind of therapy is necessary. At Compass, it’s our goal to ensure that each child receives the proper amount of therapy so they can receive the benefits of proper treatment.

How is therapy determined?

Therapy is determined based on need. Because each child’s case is different, therapy services need to be catered directly to their needs. While some children with autism will require no more than a few hours a day of ABA therapy, others might need extensive ABA therapy as well as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy as well.

The first step in this determination will be for a physician to evaluate the child and then ultimately decide about the necessary therapy for the child. Once this has been established, therapy providers will collaborate to decide a proper path.

What kind of therapies are available?

While we provide ABA therapy at Compass, other therapists can provide speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children who require them. Should a physician decide that additional therapy is required, this will be done in addition to traditional ABA therapy.

Each therapy will work independently to improve skills a child needs. However, therapy is most effective if therapists are able to collaborate in common goals and ways to enhance each therapy according to a child’s needs. While supporting therapies have shown to be incredibly effective in helping a child with autism learn skills necessary to function in everyday life, ABA therapy is the primary treatment method that will make the others more effective as well.

How much time should be dedicated to therapy?

It’s been found that a minimum of 20 hours per week of autism therapy services is recommended for children to be successful and see results. However, it’s not uncommon to have as many as 40 hours each week recommended based on individual needs. Parts of that 40 hours can include supporting therapies like occupational, speech, and physical therapy. Necessary time for each will be dedicated based on recommendations and prescriptions from the child’s physician.

Ultimately, the answer to the question about how often a child needs autism therapy services is, it depends on the child. Each child has unique needs that will be addressed individually in therapy. For some, this can be done with minimal intervention, while others require extensive therapy sessions each week. Whatever is right for your child will be determined by their physician.

Reach out for more information

To find out more about available autism therapy services at Compass, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help your child get the necessary therapy they need with ABA therapy. Our clinical therapists are certified in providing ABA therapy for children who are in need. Contact us at your nearby Compass therapy center to learn more. You can also request information by sending us a message using our online contact form. It’s our goal to provide successful therapy programs for children with autism.