I hear you must do 40 hours?
Each child’s program is highly individualized depending on the child’s needs. In the beginning of early intervention we recommend a minimum of 15 hours per week, gradually increasing over time. Research through Dr. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA shows that 40 hours per week of DTT has resulted in the best outcomes. However, we feel the appropriate number of direct hours of 1-to-1 therapy depends on many things, including additional therapies (speech, occupational, sensory integration) that the child may be receiving and the amount of time spent in school. Parents generally choose between 15 to 40 hours per week for a child, depending on their child’s individualized needs and the IEP and perhaps the funding sources.

Should my child be mainstreamed?
We encourage parents to mainstream their child with a shadow if it is appropriate for the child. However, this is not mandatory. Some children are already mainstreamed and we may recommend a shadow for part or all of the time. Ideally, mainstreaming is preferred but it depends on the individual child’s level of functioning and attention. The important thing is for your child to remain engaged. If you are undecided on placement, ABC consultants will help you in evaluating the options and making an informed decision that you feel comfortable with. Each child and family situation is different.

Should we do Greenspan’s “Floor Time?”
Greenspan’s Floor Time approach is very different from Discrete Trial Training. DTT is a teaching style and ABC does incorporate programs directed at teaching play skills and structured play dates with other children. We feel it’s important to incorporate a significant amount of instruction time on “play”.

Can we get funding for this program?
Before the age of three, your local Regional Center should fund an Early Intervention DTT program with an appropriate diagnosis. After the age of three, the local school district may also fund the program. Our supervisors will assist in generating reports, which recommend the appropriate number of DTT hours your child requires. It is our policy that upon request, your supervisor will attend any IEP, mediation, or hearings to support our recommendations.

Note: Appearances by your supervisor will be billed at their hourly rate.