Navigating Evening Waitlists in ABA: Considering Daytime Sessions for Your Child’s Growth
A Note From An Orchid Parent 📝
As a parent, I understand the challenges of balancing our son’s school attendance with the need for critical services during school hours. When he first started kindergarten, we decided to focus entirely on school and paused his ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) sessions. However, by December, we recognized the need to reintroduce ABA support.
While reallocating his school time was a difficult decision, we soon saw the benefits of aligning his ABA programming with his IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals. This allowed his teachers to concentrate on academics and social skills, while his BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and BTs (Behavior Technicians) focused on providing tools that helped him better engage in the school environment. As a result, his teachers could focus less on managing behaviors and more on supporting his IEP goals.
After completing his assessment and treatment plans, we agreed on a finalized schedule. We also requested an IEP meeting to adjust his goals to better complement his ABA programming. During this meeting, his BCBA was present to ensure there was clear communication and support between both the classroom and ABA settings. We developed a hybrid schedule that alternated between school and ABA sessions.
On some days, he attended school in the mornings and ABA sessions in the afternoons, while on other days, the schedule was reversed—ABA in the mornings and school in the afternoons. This approach allowed him to experience the morning school routine a few days a week and participate in afternoon classes on others. The flexible arrangement helped him balance academic learning with targeted support from his ABA program.It was wonderful to witness the collaboration between his teacher and BCBA, who worked together to support his progress. We authorized direct communication between the BCBA and his teacher, further strengthening their partnership and ultimately benefiting our son. By the time he reached 3rd grade, he was working independently, engaging with his peers, and had successfully graduated from ABA therapy.
Is School Currently Meeting Your Child’s Needs? 🤔
It’s important to start by evaluating whether your child is truly benefiting from their current school routine. While many children thrive in a traditional classroom environment, others may face challenges that go beyond the typical school-day difficulties. These challenges often show up in one of two ways:
Struggling with Severe Behaviors
If your child is experiencing severe behavioral challenges, school can quickly become a source of stress for everyone involved 😔. If they’re facing difficulties with aggression, self-harm, or disruptive behaviors, they may not be accessing the curriculum or social interactions in a meaningful way. Instead, they could be developing a negative association with the school environment and, likewise, the school with them. This cycle can be distressing for children, parents, and educators alike.
In situations like these, a focused approach with daytime ABA therapy might be the answer. It allows for targeted interventions that can help your child build essential skills and reduce challenging behaviors, giving them the opportunity to return to school with renewed confidence and a positive mindset ✨.
Passive and Disengaged in the Classroom
Alternatively, some children may not exhibit severe behaviors but may be disengaged in more subtle ways. Perhaps your child is passively sitting in the back of the room, not interacting with peers or participating in activities. It’s not uncommon for children with social or communication challenges to become passive observers rather than active participants in their own learning 🛋️. Over time, this passivity can lead to isolation and a lack of meaningful progress.
At Orchid Academy, we see the potential in every learner 🌱. When we notice this kind of passive behavior, it’s often a sign that additional support and targeted intervention could help them engage more deeply with the world around them. Daytime ABA therapy can provide the personalized, hands-on support needed to build skills and confidence, empowering them to return to school ready to connect and learn 💡.
Partnering with Schools for a Holistic Approach 🤝
One of the key benefits of choosing daytime ABA sessions is the opportunity to partner with schools and align our therapy goals with the school’s curriculum 📚. By collaborating closely with your child’s school, we can free them up to focus on social skills, which are often more easily practiced in the school environment. This partnership ensures a seamless integration of goals, allowing your child to make meaningful progress both academically and socially ✨.
Considering the School Schedule ⏰
It’s also worth taking a close look at your child’s daily schedule. How much of their school day is spent on time with specialists, transitions, lunch, or recess? 🍎 These periods can often be less academically intensive, making them an ideal opportunity for your child to attend therapy sessions without missing out on crucial learning moments. Identifying these times can help minimize the impact of daytime sessions while maximizing the benefits of ABA therapy.
Rethinking Priorities and Planning for Your Child’s Success 🌱
We understand that pulling your child out of school during the day is not a decision made lightly. However, when school isn’t currently meeting their needs, part-time attendance combined with targeted daytime ABA can offer a transformative alternative. Think of it as an opportunity to reset, refocus, and equip your child with the skills they need to engage with their education and social relationships fully 🌈.
If you’re facing evening waitlists, consider asking yourself:
Is my child currently thriving in their school environment?
Are severe behaviors or disengagement impacting their ability to access their education and build friendships?
Could focusing on their needs during the day allow them to return to school more confident and capable? 🎯
Empathy for Parents on the Waitlist ❤️
We get it—waiting for an evening ABA slot can be incredibly frustrating, and it’s a reality many families face. But it’s also a chance to explore alternative paths that might better fit your child’s needs. At Orchid Academy, we’re committed to providing compassionate care and creating a supportive environment for every learner 🌼. Our goal is to help you navigate these tough decisions, so you can feel confident about the steps you’re taking toward your child’s growth and well-being.
By considering daytime ABA sessions and thoughtful collaboration with your child’s school, you may open up opportunities for your child that evening sessions alone can’t fully provide. While it’s a big shift, it’s a choice that could make all the difference in their journey. ✨
