My Child Is in ABA... But Are They Actually Getting an Education?

From one autism mom to another...

There is a conversation that isn't happening enough.

As the mom of two autistic children, I've lived this journey.

As the founder of Rocli Learning Academy, I hear the same story from parents almost every single week.

And honestly...

It breaks my heart.

A parent walks through our doors with a beautiful 10-year-old, 12-year-old, sometimes even a teenager.

They've spent years in ABA.

They're told their child is in a "school readiness" program.

They assumed everything was fine.

Then one day they realize...

"My child has never actually been in school."

Not public school.

Not private school.

Not a homeschool program.

Not an academic program.

Just therapy.

That realization is devastating.

Not because ABA is bad.

Because it isn't.

Let Me Be Clear...

I love quality ABA.

Some of the most dedicated professionals I've ever met work in ABA.

In fact, Rocli intentionally partners with only a handful of ABA providers because we believe good therapy changes lives.

ABA teaches things that education often cannot.

Communication.

Behavior.

Safety.

Functional living skills.

Emotional regulation.

Daily routines.

Those things matter.

They matter tremendously.

But here's what concerns me...

Somewhere along the way, many parents began believing that therapy and education are the same thing.

They aren't.

"School Readiness" Doesn't Mean School

This is probably the biggest misunderstanding I see.

When an ABA provider says they have a "school readiness program," that doesn't automatically mean your child is receiving a legally recognized education.

School readiness typically focuses on helping children develop the skills needed to be successful in a classroom—such as following directions, sitting in a group, transitioning between activities, communicating with peers, or managing behavior.

Those are valuable skills.

But they are different from providing a comprehensive academic education.

In Georgia, families are responsible for ensuring their child is enrolled in a legally recognized educational option. If a child is homeschooled, parents must file a Declaration of Intent and comply with Georgia's home study requirements, including providing instruction in core academic subjects over the required number of instructional days.

Simply attending therapy—even therapy with educational activities—does not automatically satisfy those requirements.

The Kids We Aren't Giving Enough Credit

This is the part that gets me emotional.

Sometimes I think the autism community unintentionally underestimates what these kids are capable of.

Yes...

Some children are non-speaking.

Some need significant support.

Some need help with every part of their day.

But that doesn't mean they aren't capable of learning.

I've seen children who were assumed to be "unable to learn" begin recognizing words.

Typing sentences.

Solving math problems.

Learning science.

Writing stories.

Reading books.

Communicating in ways no one expected.

Not because they suddenly changed.

Because someone finally believed they deserved an education.

Education Is a Life Skill

I hear this all the time.

"They're working on life skills."

Wonderful.

Life skills are incredibly important.

But here's my question...

Is reading a life skill?

Absolutely.

Is writing?

Yes.

Is learning how to communicate through typing if you're non-speaking?

Without question.

Is understanding money?

Following written instructions?

Reading medication labels?

Ordering food?

Using technology?

All of those require education.

Academic learning and life skills aren't competing priorities.

They're partners.

Then Reality Hits...

Unfortunately, this is the story I hear too often.

A child spends six...

Seven...

Sometimes ten years...

In therapy.

Then the parent realizes:

"My child is getting older."

"My child has never had classmates."

"My child has never experienced learning with peers."

"My child has never followed an academic curriculum."

Now they're trying to enroll a 12-year-old or 13-year-old into school for the very first time.

Imagine how overwhelming that transition can be.

Not because the child can't do it.

Because they were never given the opportunity sooner.

That's Why We Built Rocli Differently

When I created Rocli Learning Academy, I didn't want families to choose between therapy and education.

I wanted both.

Our students continue receiving the support they need while also participating in meaningful academics, communication, functional learning, social interaction, and life skills.

Some students attend our Roswell academy.

Others attend one of our ABA Pod locations, where therapy and education work together—not in competition.

Because that's how I believe it should be.

My Message to Parents

If you're reading this, I want you to hear one thing.

Ask questions.

Don't assume.

Ask your provider:

• Is my child enrolled in a legally recognized educational program?

• If we're homeschooling, are we meeting Georgia's homeschool requirements?

• Who is responsible for academics?

• What curriculum is being used?

• How is progress being measured?

• What academic goals does my child have this year?

Those questions aren't confrontational.

They're responsible.

Every Child Deserves More Than Therapy

Our autistic children deserve communication.

They deserve independence.

They deserve friendships.

They deserve life skills.

They deserve therapy.

And they deserve an education.

Not because they'll all become doctors or engineers.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

As a mom, that's what I want for my own children.

As an educator, it's what I want for yours.

And as a community, I believe we can stop asking whether autistic children are capable of learning...

...and start asking whether we've given them every opportunity to learn.

Ready to Learn More?

If you're wondering whether your child's current educational plan is meeting both their therapeutic and academic needs, we'd love to talk with you. Rocli Learning Academy partners with select ABA providers while delivering meaningful, individualized education designed specifically for autistic and neurodivergent learners.

Schedule a tour, ask questions, and let's build a plan that supports the whole child—not just one part of their development.