The short answer: start with the child, not 40 hours
Forty hours changes nearly every part of a child’s week. A recommendation that large needs a plain explanation tied to goals. If the provider cannot explain why each part of the schedule matters, ask for a second look.
What Level 1 means for planning
Level 1 describes a need for support. It does not tell a BCBA how many hours to prescribe. Two children with the same support level may have very different communication, flexibility, safety, school, and daily-living needs.
Focused and comprehensive ABA
| Plan | Often fits | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Focused | A smaller set of defined goals | Which two or three changes matter most right now? |
| Comprehensive | Needs across many parts of the day | Why does this require a broad weekly schedule? |
Questions before accepting the schedule
- Which goals require these hours?
- What happens to school, rest, family time, and other therapies?
- How will the child’s tolerance be monitored?
- When will hours be reviewed and reduced?
Sources reviewed
- Budding Futures care-planning guidance
- CASP practice guidelines for ABA
- Colorado Medicaid medical-necessity guidance
