Key Highlights
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is split into two main methodologies: Comprehensive ABA and Focused ABA therapy, each serving distinct needs.
- Comprehensive ABA addresses broad developmental domains, while Focused ABA zeroes in on specific behaviors or skill deficits.
- Comprehensive ABA often involves intensive intervention (20-40 hours/week) for younger children needing holistic support.
- Focused ABA typically offers targeted therapy (10-20 hours/week), addressing individual behavioral issues or skill gaps.
- Selecting between the two approaches depends on individual needs, professional assessments, and family priorities.
- Both methods aim to enhance communication, social skills, and a child’s overall quality of life.
When you’re navigating the world of ABA therapy, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether Comprehensive or Focused ABA is the right fit for your child. As a BCBA providing in-home ABA therapy, I often work with families who are unsure about which approach will work best for their child’s unique needs.
I’ve had the privilege of working with families like the Johnsons, whose son, Nicky, struggled with specific behaviors like aggression and frustration. For Noah, we started with Focused ABA, which targeted his problem behaviors.
Within a few weeks, we saw significant improvements, not only in his behavior but also in his ability to interact positively with others. This experience helped me realize that for some children, a more targeted, focused approach is exactly what they need.
The Two Major Approaches: Comprehensive ABA vs Focused ABA
ABA therapy comes in two main approaches: Comprehensive ABA and Focused ABA. These therapies are tailored to different needs, and understanding their differences is key to choosing the best one for your child.
Comprehensive ABA Therapy: A Holistic Approach
Comprehensive ABA therapy is broad and intensive, often used with younger children who require support across many developmental areas. It’s designed to help children develop skills in communication, social interaction, academics, and daily living. This approach typically requires 20–40 hours of ABA therapy each week, making it a significant commitment but often leading to substantial improvements.
For example, when I worked with a 4-year-old named Lily, we used Comprehensive ABA to help her with communication and social skills. In our sessions, she learned how to request items appropriately and engage with peers during playtime.
While this required many hours of focused work, over time, Lily was able to communicate more effectively and participate in group activities without getting overwhelmed.
The goal of Comprehensive ABA is to support your child’s development in a variety of areas, providing them with the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future. Activities during therapy are structured and designed to reduce challenging behaviors while fostering independence.
Focused ABA Therapy: Targeted Intervention for Specific Needs
On the other hand, Focused ABA is designed for children who need support with specific behaviors or skill deficits. This approach is less intensive, often involving 10–20 hours of therapy per week, and it targets particular behaviors or skills.
Focused ABA is often used to address challenges such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, or difficulty with social interactions.
I remember working with another child, Max, who was struggling with aggressive outbursts in the classroom. We focused our sessions on teaching him alternative ways to express frustration, such as using words or calming techniques, instead of lashing out.
Through Focused ABA, we made measurable progress in a short time, significantly reducing his aggressive behaviors.
Focused ABA is highly flexible and goal-oriented, allowing for targeted interventions that address immediate needs. The key is working on specific behaviors that can be addressed in a shorter amount of time, giving families a quicker return on their investment in therapy.
What is Comprehensive ABA Therapy?
Comprehensive ABA therapy is designed to help children across a broad range of developmental areas, often using an intensive and structured approach. This type of therapy is ideal for children who need help with a variety of skills, such as communication, social interaction, and daily living skills.
Key Areas Addressed by Comprehensive ABA
- Communication: Helping children learn to express their needs and interact with others.
- Social Skills: Teaching how to play, share, and communicate effectively with peers.
- Adaptive Skills: Building essential life skills, such as dressing, eating, and toileting.
- Behavioral Improvement: Reducing problematic behaviors, like tantrums or aggression, and replacing them with more functional alternatives.
For instance, in one case I worked on, a child named Emma, who was nonverbal, started learning to communicate using an augmentative communication device. Over the course of several months, she made remarkable progress, learning to express herself using words and symbols.
What is Focused ABA Therapy?
Focused ABA therapy, unlike Comprehensive ABA, targets specific issues or behaviors, making it a more focused, short-term intervention. It’s ideal for children who need help with particular behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, or difficulty communicating.
Common Goals of Focused ABA
- Reducing Problematic Behaviors: Targeting behaviors like tantrums, aggression, or self-injury.
- Teaching Specific Skills: Focusing on skills like using the toilet, asking for help, or making friends.
- Enhancing Communication: Helping children learn to communicate more effectively, whether through words, gestures, or communication devices.
One success story comes from working with a young boy named Jack, who struggled with potty training. Through Focused ABA, we were able to break down the task into smaller steps, offering positive reinforcement as he achieved each one. Jack was able to successfully learn to use the toilet, marking a major milestone in his development.
Key Differences Between Comprehensive and Focused ABA
While both Comprehensive ABA and Focused ABA aim to improve quality of life, they differ in intensity, scope, and application. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Comprehensive ABA | Focused ABA |
| Scope | Addresses multiple developmental domains | Targets specific behaviors/skills |
| Intensity | 20-40 hours/week | 10-20 hours/week |
| Application Area | Holistic developmental improvements | Tailored behavioral interventions |
If your child needs broad, foundational support across many areas, Comprehensive ABA may be the better choice. If your child’s challenges are more specific—like a need for social skills or behavior management—then Focused ABA could be a great fit.
How to Decide Which ABA Approach is Right for Your Child
Choosing the right type of ABA therapy depends on your child’s unique needs, goals, and where they are in their development. I recommend starting with a thorough assessment by an experienced BCBA or ABA therapist. They will work closely with you to evaluate your child’s strengths and areas that need attention.
For instance, when I was working with a child who had severe self-injurious behavior, Focused ABA was the most appropriate choice. It allowed us to zero in on that behavior and make quick progress.
As your child grows, therapy needs may change, so it’s also important to regularly reassess and adjust therapy approaches as needed. Whether through Comprehensive or Focused ABA, the ultimate goal is to help your child gain the skills they need for a more independent and fulfilling life.
At Little Champs ABA, we understand that every child’s needs are unique. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing tailored ABA therapy that supports your child’s development and growth.
Whether you’re considering Comprehensive ABA or Focused ABA, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how our personalized ABA therapy plans in Colorado and Utah can help your child achieve their fullest potential. Contact us now to schedule an assessment and get started on the path to success!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between Comprehensive and Focused ABA for my child?
Think about your child’s needs, the way they learn, and what goals they have before you choose between comprehensive ABA and focused ABA. Comprehensive ABA helps with many kinds of skills. Focused ABA works on a few important behaviors. Talk to the professionals to find out what will work best for your child and their situation.
Can my child switch from one type of ABA to another?
Yes, your child can move from one type of ABA to another. Shifting between focused ABA and comprehensive ABA could help, depending on what your child needs, how they are doing, and the goals of the therapy. It is important to talk with their therapist if you want to make changes. This way, your child gets the best results with the right type of ABA.
How long does it take to see results with each approach?
You can usually see results from comprehensive aba in a few months. This type of therapy is about a wide range of skill development. Focused aba, on the other hand, may help your child learn specific skills faster, sometimes in just weeks. The speed of progress depends on the child’s needs and how steady the therapy is.
What are the costs and insurance coverage differences?
The costs for comprehensive ABA are often higher than for focused ABA. This is because there is more work and more services in comprehensive ABA. The type of insurance you have can change what will be covered. Some plans pay for all the therapy you may need, but some only help with focused ABA. It is good to know what your plan covers, so you can plan your budget well.
Is ABA therapy appropriate for all children with autism?
ABA therapy can help many kids with autism. But, it is not right for all. The best approach depends on the child’s individual needs, goals, and what they like. Every child is different. It’s good to talk to professionals. They can help you find out what will work best for your child and their unique needs.