Autism Communication Neurodiverse Children

School or ABA Therapy? Making the Right Choice for Your Child

Ella Witherite | August 7, 2025

For families of children with autism or developmental delays, the decision between sending your child to school or starting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can feel overwhelming. At Autism West Behavior Partners, we understand that every child is unique—and so is the path forward.

Choosing ABA or School | Family Decision Guide

🏫 When School Might Be the Best Fit

Your child might thrive in a school setting when:

✅ They can engage in group learning
✅ They transition between tasks with minimal support
✅ They can follow classroom directions
✅ They communicate wants and needs (verbally, with AAC, or other methods) and advocates for themselves
✅ They demonstrate basic self-help skills like handwashing or opening a lunchbox

As Radical Minds Omaha emphasizes, readiness for school often depends on a child’s ability to participate in the structure, social expectations, and pace of a classroom.

Many schools also offer IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and support services, which can provide accommodations and therapy services. However, these supports may not always be enough for children who need more intensive skill development.

💙 When ABA Therapy Might Be the Priority

ABA therapy offers one-on-one, customized interventions that teach communication, behavior regulation, and life skills. ABA therapy offers several benefits: it prepares individuals to absorb information effectively and thrive in various environments. It provides a safe space for making mistakes without affecting others, and it helps individuals process emotions constructively. As Blue ABA Therapy explains, ABA can be especially helpful when:

💗 Behavior challenges interfere with learning
💗 Communication is limited
💗 Safety is a concern in larger or unstructured environments
💗 Your child needs targeted, intensive support to build foundational skills

At Autism West, our team specializes in helping children develop the skills that can later make school more accessible and successful. The goal is not to replace school long-term, but to strengthen school readiness and long-term independence.

🤝 Can You Do Both?

Yes—but it depends on your child’s needs, energy level, and your family’s schedule. We can create a plan to get your child in school when they are ready to go!

Some children thrive in hybrid models: attending school part-time and receiving ABA therapy the rest of the day. This approach works best when both teams—school and ABA providers—collaborate toward shared goals. According to BPI, “the right balance can be the key to long-term success.”

At Autism West, we actively coordinate with schools, IEP teams, and therapists to ensure consistency and reduce overwhelm.

⭐ What to Consider When Choosing Between School and ABA

From the insights of all three sources and our clinical experience at Autism West, here are the top considerations:

🌟 Clinical Recommendations – What do your child’s developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or BCBA suggest based on assessment results?

🌟 School Environment – Can the school accommodate your child’s needs appropriately? Are 1:1 supports or small classrooms available?

🌟 Readiness for Group Learning – Is your child comfortable with peers, transitions, and multi-step routines?

🌟 Family Logistics & Routines – Can your family realistically manage full-time ABA, school, or a mix of both?

🌟 Long-Term Goals – What are your hopes for your child’s communication, independence, and education?

As Radical Minds Omaha notes, “Sometimes prioritizing therapy early creates more opportunities for long-term educational success.”

🧩 How Autism West Behavior Partners Can Support You

We know these decisions aren’t easy. That’s why we’re here to partner with you every step of the way.

Our team provides:

✅ Comprehensive ABA evaluations
✅ Individualized skill-building plans
✅ Flexible scheduling (full-day, part-day, and after-school options)
✅ Collaboration with schools and IEP teams
✅ Family-centered goal setting

Whether your child is preparing for their first school experience or needs support reentering after a break, Autism West Behavior Partners will help create a clear, customized plan focused on what matters most—your child’s growth.