In-School ABA Therapy in West Jordan, Utah
School is where children spend most of their day. Our in-school ABA services help students with autism succeed in the classroom, on the playground, and in the cafeteria by providing support exactly where challenges occur.
Why In-School ABA Matters
Children spend approximately 1,000 hours per year in school. For students with autism, school can present unique challenges: sensory overload, unpredictable social situations, academic demands, and constant transitions.
Skills learned in a clinic do not always transfer to the classroom. A child might raise their hand perfectly during a therapy session but struggle to do so when surrounded by 25 classmates. In-school ABA addresses this gap by teaching and reinforcing skills in the actual environment where they are needed.
Our therapists become part of your child's school day, providing support during the moments that matter most. They help students navigate academic tasks, social interactions, and behavioral challenges in real time, leading to faster generalization and more meaningful progress.
Benefits of School-Based ABA
Skills Where They Matter
Learning to follow classroom rules, complete assignments, and interact with peers happens best in the actual classroom environment where these skills are needed.
Academic Support
Our therapists help students engage with curriculum, complete work independently, and develop the executive functioning skills that underpin academic success.
Social Skill Practice
School provides natural opportunities for peer interaction. We help students navigate friendships, group projects, recess, and lunch in real time.
Teacher Collaboration
We work closely with your child's teachers and school staff, sharing strategies and ensuring consistency between home, school, and therapy.
Skills We Develop at School
Classroom Behavior
- Sitting in assigned seat
- Attending to instruction
- Raising hand to speak
- Following teacher directions
- Transitioning between activities
- Staying on task during independent work
Academic Skills
- Completing assignments
- Organizing materials
- Taking notes
- Asking for help appropriately
- Working in groups
- Following multi-step instructions
Social Skills
- Initiating conversations with peers
- Joining group play at recess
- Taking turns in games
- Sharing materials
- Responding to peer communication
- Navigating conflicts appropriately
Self-Management
- Managing anxiety and frustration
- Using coping strategies
- Requesting breaks when needed
- Self-monitoring behavior
- Using a schedule or planner
- Packing up and unpacking independently
How School-Based Services Work
School Collaboration Meeting
We meet with school staff to understand the classroom environment, current challenges, and goals. This ensures everyone is aligned from the start.
Observation and Assessment
Our BCBA observes your child in the school setting to identify specific behaviors and situations that need attention.
Develop School-Specific Goals
We create treatment goals tailored to the school environment, addressing classroom behavior, academics, and social interaction.
RBT Provides Direct Support
A trained RBT works with your child during school hours, implementing the treatment plan and supporting success in real time.
Ongoing Coordination
We maintain regular communication with teachers and school staff, adjusting strategies as your child progresses and new challenges arise.
Working With Your Child's School
Effective school-based ABA requires strong relationships with school staff. We do not operate in isolation. Our therapists become collaborative members of your child's educational team.
Before services begin, we meet with teachers, administrators, and relevant specialists to understand the classroom environment, existing supports, and specific concerns. We develop a plan that complements what the school provides.
Throughout services, we maintain open communication. Teachers receive regular updates on progress and can share observations or concerns with us. When strategies are working, we help school staff understand why so they can continue supporting your child even when our therapist is not present.
Schools We Work With
We provide in-school ABA services throughout Utah County, including:
- Provo City School District
- Alpine School District
- Nebo School District
- Private and charter schools
- Preschool programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get school-based ABA services for my child?
Start by contacting us. We will verify your insurance coverage and coordinate with your child's school. Many schools are familiar with outside therapy providers and have processes for allowing therapists to work on campus. We handle the logistics and communication.
Will the therapist be in the classroom with my child?
It depends on your child's needs and the school's policies. Some students benefit from a therapist present during instruction. Others do better with support during transitions, specials, recess, or lunch. We work with you and the school to determine the best approach.
Does insurance cover school-based ABA?
Yes, most insurance plans that cover ABA therapy allow services to be delivered in school settings. The key is that services must be medically necessary and provided by licensed professionals. We verify benefits and handle authorization.
Will this interfere with my child's IEP or special education services?
No. ABA therapy is a medical service, separate from educational services provided through an IEP. The two can complement each other beautifully. We coordinate with school teams to ensure our services enhance, not duplicate, what the school provides.
What if my child's school is hesitant about outside providers?
We have experience navigating school partnerships. We can provide information to administrators about ABA, explain our role, and address concerns. Most schools appreciate the additional support once they understand how we work collaboratively.
Can you attend IEP meetings?
Yes. As part of your child's care team, we can attend IEP meetings to share data, discuss progress, and provide recommendations. Having ABA input at these meetings can be valuable for developing comprehensive educational plans.
Help Your Child Succeed at School
School does not have to be a struggle. Contact us to learn how in-school ABA services can support your child's academic and social success.
Get Started Today