Direct answer
Quick AnswerAccording to the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB), intensive ABA therapy typically involves 20-40 hours per week and is recommended for children under 5 with significant skill deficits. Focused ABA involves 10-15 hours per week targeting specific goals. A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) determines the appropriate dosage based on your child's individualized assessment, age, and treatment objectives.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Intensive ABA (sometimes called Comprehensive ABA) involves 20-40 hours per week and addresses multiple developmental domains: communication, social skills, daily living, and behaviour. Research by Lovaas (1987) and subsequent meta-analyses by Eldevik et al. (2009) support intensive early intervention for children under 5 with significant skill gaps, showing IQ gains of 15-20 points and improved adaptive behaviour.
Your BCBA should conduct a skills assessment (such as the VB-MAPP or ABLLS-R) to identify your child's current skill levels and develop treatment goals. The recommended intensity depends on: age (younger children generally benefit from more hours), severity of skill deficits, family capacity to implement strategies between sessions, and availability of complementary therapies like speech or OT.
Intensive ABA (sometimes called Comprehensive ABA) involves 20-40 hours per week and addresses multiple developmental domains: communication, social skills, daily living, and behaviour. Research by Lovaas (1987) and subsequent meta-analyses by Eldevik et al. (2009) support intensive early intervention for children under 5 with significant skill gaps, showing IQ gains of 15-20 points and improved adaptive behaviour.
Focused ABA targets specific skills or behaviours with 10-15 hours per week. This model suits school-aged children, those with less pervasive skill deficits, or families transitioning from intensive to maintenance programming. The BACB recommends that a BCBA conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the appropriate intensity for each individual child.
Your BCBA should conduct a skills assessment (such as the VB-MAPP or ABLLS-R) to identify your child's current skill levels and develop treatment goals. The recommended intensity depends on: age (younger children generally benefit from more hours), severity of skill deficits, family capacity to implement strategies between sessions, and availability of complementary therapies like speech or OT.
Under the OAP, core clinical services funding of $6,600–$65,000/year can fund approximately 20-25 hours per week of RBT-delivered ABA at typical Ontario rates ($50-65/hour), plus BCBA supervision. Families should discuss budget allocation with their provider to maximize therapy hours.
BACB
Behaviour Analyst Certification Board, Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Funders and Managers (2014)
Research
Eldevik et al. (2009), "Meta-Analysis of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism," Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 38(3), 439-450
Compare intensive ABA (20-40 hrs/week) and focused ABA (10-15 hrs/week). Learn age considerations, cost differences, and which model fits your child.
Yes, OAP core clinical childhood budgets cover ABA therapy through approved providers. Learn coverage amounts, wait times, and private ABA cost alternatives.
Telehealth ABA therapy expanded significantly post-pandemic. Learn about effectiveness evidence, what works remotely, and Ontario options for rural families.
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