Can You Enroll Your Autistic Child in Public School Without ABA Therapy?
Millions of us navigated through public schools without experiencing any sort of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This article addresses whether it's possible to enroll your autistic child in a public school without requiring ABA therapy and discusses relevant considerations.
Understanding the Context
When you consider enrolling your child in public school, you might be asking two main questions: whether your child should have ABA therapy first or whether the school will require it. Understanding these questions is crucial.
Autism Therapy in UK University Students
I work with autistic university students in the UK, where ABA therapy is relatively rare. Only a small minority of around 2% of my students received private education, and slightly more attended specialist state schools for children with additional needs, somewhere around 10%. The vast majority, over 90%, have attended ordinary mainstream schools throughout their education.
Not only have none of my students experienced ABA therapy, but all of them have completed their higher education in the state sector, many up to the PhD level. This demonstrates that an absence of ABA therapy does not hinder a child's academic success.
Legal Aspects in the United States
In the United States, every child is entitled to a free and non-discriminatory education as mandated by law. If a public school does not provide ABA therapy, you can check your state laws. There is no specific requirement for ABA therapy, and the refusal to provide it could be considered illegal discrimination against a mental disability. If ABA is not specifically needed, lack of provision could be seen as discriminatory.
Consider employing a non-specialized therapist who can help with interpersonal and sensory management issues. The primary challenge with my own autism has been managing comorbid disorders and stress, an issue that can be addressed through various therapeutic methods beyond ABA.
Personal Misconceptions and Outdated Practices
This statement reflects a common misconception: the idea that ABA therapy is necessary for every autistic child. However, ABA is often outdated and rarely utilized in public schools. The key is effective communication with your school and working together to find appropriate teaching methods.
It is indeed possible to enroll your autistic child in public school without ABA therapy. My own experience as an autistic person who was not diagnosed until adulthood shows that a lack of ABA therapy is not a barrier to academic or personal success.
In conclusion, while ABA may be an option for some, it is not a necessity for all autistic children. The focus should be on effective communication with schools and the provision of appropriate, evidence-based teaching methods.