ABA Therapy Options for Toddlers: In-Home vs. Center-Based ABA Therapy
- Virginia Serpas, MA, BCBA
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
ABA Therapy for Toddlers: Where Do You Start?
When your child is newly diagnosed with autism, the range of therapy options can feel overwhelming. One of the first questions many parents ask is: Should we start ABA therapy at home, or consider a center-based program? If your child is just starting out, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about which setting is best — it’s an important decision for your family.
This post will help you understand the key differences between in-home and center-based ABA therapy, and offer guidance to help you make the best choice for your child and family.
What Is In-Home ABA Therapy?
In-home ABA therapy brings a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) directly to your home for scheduled sessions each week, under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who sets goals and oversees progress.
Benefits of in-home ABA:
Therapy takes place in your child’s familiar environment.
Parents can easily observe sessions and learn strategies to use throughout the day.
Flexible scheduling, which can be especially helpful for younger children.
Challenges:
Fewer opportunities for peer interaction and social skill development.
Home settings can present more distractions.
Availability of qualified providers may be limited in some areas.
What Is Center-Based ABA Therapy?
Center-based ABA therapy is delivered in a clinic or preschool-like setting, where children attend therapy in half-day or full-day blocks. These programs are also rendered by an RBT and overseen by BCBAs.
Benefits of center-based ABA:
Highly structured environment that promotes school readiness.
Regular opportunities for peer socialization and group learning.
Access to a team of therapists and a wide range of learning materials.
Consistent routines and expectations across sessions.
Challenges:
Longer separations from parents, which can be difficult for some toddlers.
Transportation to and from the center is required.
Less flexibility in scheduling compared to in-home services.
Why Center-Based Therapy Is Often Recommended for Toddlers
Toddlers benefit greatly from learning routines and social skills early on. Center-based programs provide structured transitions, peer interactions, and group activities that help children practice the skills they’ll need in preschool and kindergarten. While in-home therapy is excellent for building daily living skills, center-based ABA often accelerates social and communication development by simulating a classroom environment in a supportive, therapeutic setting.
Insurance and Coverage Basics
Most insurance plans cover ABA therapy in both home and center settings, but coverage details can vary. Before starting services, be sure to ask:
Are the providers in-network? This ensures your costs are lower and services are covered at the contracted rate.
Is pre-authorization required? Many plans require approval before therapy can begin.
What are the out-of-pocket costs (co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance)? Ask whether or not providers complete benefits checks and obtain information about co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance so there are no surprises when billing begins.
Is a formal autism diagnosis required for coverage? Most insurance companies require a formal autism diagnosis for ABA coverage, but it’s always best to confirm.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Providers
To make an informed decision, consider asking potential providers:
Are your therapists board certified? Families should confirm that staff are properly credentialed and trained
Do therapists receive ongoing supervision, and what does that look like? Quality programs provide consistent oversight from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to ensure high-level care.
What does a typical day or session look like? Ask for specifics about how time is structured, including transitions, learning activities, and breaks.
How do you incorporate peer socialization? Opportunities to build friendships and practice group routines are essential for school readiness.
How do you involve parents in treatment? Look for a provider who actively partners with you and offers parent training.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “right” answer for every child. Some toddlers thrive with in-home ABA, while others benefit from the structure and social opportunities of a center-based program. The most important factor is finding a provider who understands your child’s unique needs, communicates clearly, and partners with your family every step of the way.
About Pivotal Achievements
At Pivotal Achievements, we specialize in center-based ABA therapy for children with autism ages 18 months to 6 years in Coral Springs. Our individualized, 1:1 programs focus on building communication, social skills, independence, and school readiness in a nurturing, preschool-like environment. Our experienced team is dedicated to supporting families and helping each child reach their full potential.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more and see if our center-based program is the right fit for your child.