How Should You Choose Between ABA Therapy and Floortime Therapy For Your Child?

Choosing the right therapy for your autistic child can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. You want the very best for your child, but with so many options available, it's not always easy to know which approach will truly meet their unique needs. 

Two of the most widely recommended and effective therapies are ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis therapy) and Floortime Therapy. Each has its own strengths, methodologies, and philosophies, and gaining a deeper understanding of how they differ can significantly impact your decision. 

As you explore these options, consider your child's learning style, emotional needs, and personal preferences. The right choice can create meaningful progress, improve communication skills, enhance emotional connections, and open up a world of possibilities for your child and your family.


What is Floortime Therapy?

Floortime, also known as the DIR model (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based), is all about helping kids grow emotionally and socially. Instead of directing the child, parents and therapists join in with whatever the child is interested in. It’s a play-based approach that builds emotional connections. This can help with communication, emotional regulation, and social skills. Many families in Georgia also mix Floortime with speech therapy or ABA therapy in Georgia to cover more ground.


How ABA Therapy Works

ABA therapy is more structured. Applied Behavior Analysis therapy breaks skills into smaller parts and uses rewards to reinforce progress. ABA therapy in Georgia has helped many kids become more independent and learn everyday tasks. Autism centers in Atlanta often combine ABA therapy with speech therapy for more complete support.


Floortime or ABA Therapy - Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your child’s needs and how they learn best. Floortime focuses on relationships and emotional growth, while ABA therapy is more about structure and specific goals. Some families prefer one approach, while others achieve great results by combining the two therapies.


Why More Families Are Mixing Therapies

Because every child is unique, more parents are turning to autism centers in Atlanta that offer both ABA therapy and Floortime. For example, the Therapy and Learning Center of GA creates custom plans that can include speech therapy, which helps kids develop communication skills, emotional development, and basic living skills.


What to Think About Before Deciding

Take a look at your child’s strengths and challenges. Consult with professionals who understand therapy and autism. Occupational therapy and speech therapy can also be beneficial. A comprehensive evaluation at a trusted autism center in Atlanta can give you a clearer idea of the best approach for your child.


How the Therapy and Learning Center of GA Can Help

The right autism therapy can make a big difference. Whether you’re leaning toward ABA therapy, Floortime, or a combination of both, the team at the Therapy and Learning Center of GA is here to guide you. We provide ABA therapy in Georgia, along with speech therapy, autism support, and parent coaching - everything tailored to help your child thrive!


Looking for an experienced and caring autism center in Atlanta? Give us a call at (678) 824-2145. We’re here to help you navigate the journey ahead.

How Gestalt Language Processing Can Unlock Verbal Breakthroughs

By Abishek GM • August 18, 2025
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Does Your Child Need 30 Hours of ABA Therapy a Week?

By Abishek GM • February 24, 2025
Possibly. When it comes to therapy , one question often arises among parents: why does my Autistic child need 30 hours of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) each week? This query is not only common but also crucial for understanding the significance of intensive ABA therapy in the development and progress of children who have high support needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the reasons behind the recommendation of 30 hours a week of ABA therapy, exploring its benefits, outcomes, and implications for children on the Autism spectrum. Understanding the Foundation of ABA Therapy Before delving into the specifics of why 30 hours a week of ABA therapy is recommended, it's essential to grasp the fundamentals of ABA therapy itself. ABA therapy is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. It focuses on applying interventions based on the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors. For Autistic children, ABA therapy aims to increase desirable behaviors, such as communication and social skills, while reducing challenging behaviors, such as tantrums and self-injury. The Significance of Intensity in ABA Therapy One of the key principles underlying effective ABA therapy is intensity. Intensive ABA therapy involves participating in a high number of therapy hours per week, typically ranging from 20 to 40 hours. The intensity of therapy allows for more frequent and consistent practice of targeted skills, leading to faster progress and better long-term outcomes. It is generally recommended for children age 2-5 in early intervention programs, and/or children with high support needs. Why 30 Hours a Week? While the specific number of hours will vary depending on the child's individual needs and circumstances, the recommendation of 30 hours a week of ABA therapy is based on extensive research and clinical experience. This recommendation is supported by studies demonstrating that children who receive 30 or more hours of ABA therapy per week show greater gains in language, adaptive behavior, and cognitive skills compared to those receiving fewer hours of therapy.When children reach age 6, they are required to attend school, and the opportunity for intensive treatment diminishes significantly. Therefore, attending intensive ABA therapy prior to age 6, is crucial for life-long outcomes. Maximizing Learning Opportunities Children with Autism often require intensive, structured intervention to maximize their learning opportunities and achieve optimal outcomes. ABA therapy provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching new skills and behaviors, allowing children to make steady progress in various areas of development. With 30 hours a week of therapy, children have ample time to practice and reinforce skills across different settings and contexts, leading to more generalized and long-lasting improvements. Addressing Individual Needs It's important to note that the recommendation of 30 hours a week of ABA therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The number of therapy hours should be tailored to each child's unique needs, strengths, and challenges. A qualified and experienced ABA therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the appropriate level of intensity for your child's therapy program. Factors such as age, severity of symptoms, and family preferences may also influence the recommended number of therapy hours. The Role of Therapy and Learning Center of GA Therapy and Learning Center of GA is an ABA center in Georgia , and we understand the importance of providing high-quality ABA therapy services to children with autism and their families. As a leading Autism center in Atlanta, we offer comprehensive ABA therapy programs coupled with speech therapy and occupational therapy in a collaborative environment, tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. Our team of highly skilled and compassionate therapists is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential and achieve meaningful progress in all areas of development. Contact the Therapy and Learning Center of GA today to learn more about our ABA therapy services and how we can support your child's journey toward success. With our evidence-based approach, personalized treatment plans, and commitment to excellence, we're here to empower children diagnosed with Autism to thrive and flourish. Give us a call at (678) 824-2145 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future for your child.

How ABA, ST, and OT Work Together at Therapy and Learning Center of Georgia

August 5, 2024
At the Therapy and Learning Center of Georgia (TLC), we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive and coordinated care to support the unique needs of each child. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy (ST), and Occupational Therapy (OT) to create a seamless and effective therapeutic experience. Here's how these therapies work together to promote the best outcomes for our patients. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) ABA therapy is a cornerstone of our treatment programs, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our ABA sessions are intensive, typically ranging from 30 to 40 hours per week. This evidence-based approach focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as communication, social skills, and adaptive learning skills, through positive reinforcement and data-driven strategies. Our dedicated registered behavior technicians work one-on-one with children under the supervision of their BCBA to target individualized goals and track progress meticulously. Speech Therapy (ST) Communication is a critical aspect of a child's development. Our speech therapists offer targeted intervention to enhance speech and language skills, typically in 30-minute sessions twice a week. These sessions are designed to address a variety of needs, including articulation, language comprehension, expressive language, and social communication skills. By integrating ST into a child's overall therapy plan, we ensure that language development is supported across all settings, including during ABA sessions. Occupational Therapy (OT) Occupational therapy at TLC focuses on helping children develop the skills they need for everyday activities. Depending on the child's needs and treatment plan, OT sessions range from 30 minutes to an hour each week. Our occupational therapists work on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care activities, and adaptive behaviors. By addressing these areas, OT helps children gain independence and confidence in their daily lives. Integrated Scheduling for Comprehensive Care At TLC, we understand the demands placed on families who are navigating multiple therapy appointments each week. To ease this burden, we strive to coordinate ST and OT appointments during the times children are already at the clinic for their ABA sessions. This integrated scheduling approach offers several benefits: Convenience for Families: By aligning therapy schedules, we reduce the need for parents to make multiple trips to the clinic, saving time and reducing stress. Consistent Therapeutic Environment: Children receive their therapies in a familiar setting, which can enhance comfort and cooperation. Collaborative Treatment: Our therapists work closely together, sharing insights and strategies to create a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each child's needs. Maximized Therapy Time: Coordinated schedules ensure that children can receive the full range of therapeutic interventions without unnecessary gaps or overlaps. A Unified Approach to Child Development The collaborative model at TLC ensures that each child's therapy plan is holistic and well-rounded. Our ABA, ST, and OT professionals communicate regularly to review progress, adjust goals, and ensure that all aspects of the child's development are being addressed. This unified approach not only supports the child’s growth across multiple domains but also provides families with a supportive and coordinated care team. At the Therapy and Learning Center of Georgia, our commitment is to provide high-quality, integrated care that meets the diverse needs of our patients and their families. By working together, our ABA, ST, and OT teams help children achieve their full potential in a nurturing and efficient manner. If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us.