EHCP + ABA

[Firsttimeasdmom]

Hi, my son is diagnosed ASD 4 years old.

He is in full time mainstream school with a 1.1
We have done loads of speech and language with him and a home based ABA therapy with him which we have self funded up until 2020.

Initially I had asked SENCO if we can implement ABA with his 1.1 and she refused saying we cant give them treats in order to get them to do activities because they will get used to it overtime.

However, we now had an EHCP meeting with the school psychologist, 1.1 and senco and when I brought up that I had been doing ABA, the psychologist was happy with that and said as long as hes responding well in that style of therapy then we can implement it in school. He seemed very happy to learn that my son focuses better when we reinforce his learning with small treats or motivators. He was very supportive which I was shocked about.

So within the initial write up he put in ABA style teaching to be carried out by his 1.1, who is a lovely lady.

My question is: Is it necessary to fight for actual ABA therapy in his EHCP and go to tribunal if the school themselves are happy to do ABA style therapy with him? This would save us a lot of money and hassle and I know his 1.1 can implement these methods herself?

The ABA style teaching/therapy needs to actually be specified (and specify that the person carrying it out is trained to deliver this type of provision) in Section F of the EHCP to ensure it happens.

As long as the provision is specified in the Plan, the LA has a legal duty to secure it.

@Firsttimeasdmom, do you know any ABA therapist or would like to share some information about the therapist. I am looking ABA therapist for my 8 years old boy.

Are you autistic yourself? Have you researched the harm ABA can and does do to autistic children? ABA is a lot more about withholding things a child needs and likes unless they comply, than rewarding effort (not success) with something. Is the therapist happy to let you watch their sessions? Putting ABA into an EHCP leaves your child open to abusive style teaching if the therapist changes or the school apply ABA techniques without you monitoring things very closely. Take care, please.

We decided to not include it as a requirement....more to just use ABA techniques where I find needed and i have specified where.