ABA therapy, short for Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, is considered the gold standard in treating the symptoms of autism. ABA is science-based learning, and it can change the course of your family’s future. ABA therapy has become the most recommended method for modifying behavior by focusing on the function of a behavior, and it has proven highly effective.
A BCBA, or Board Certified Behavior Analyst, analyzes your child’s behavior to determine suitable modifications that keep the child safe but do not limit expression. The primary purpose is to create more positive developmental outcomes for a child with autism to achieve as much independence as possible as they grow into adulthood.
It is sometimes difficult for people diagnosed with autism to express themselves in a way that is easily understood or considered appropriate in social situations. An individual with autism does not always possess the ability to communicate appropriately or self-regulate their emotions.
ABA aims to help autistic individuals gain the skills to communicate effectively and cope with real-world environments. By focusing on the function of their behaviors, professionals recognize patterns and establish the obstacles a child is experiencing.
Through ABA therapy, clients can learn to:
- Connect with others
- Advocate appropriately for their needs
- Communicate in a way that is appropriate and meaningful
- Thrive in home, school, church, home, professional settings, or community
- Lessen maladaptive behaviors, especially those that are aggressive or self-injurious
What Makes ABA Therapy “Essential?”
Many forget that behaviors like meltdowns are a form of communication for neurodivergent children. While it may not be productive and can even cause feelings of shame for caregivers, meltdowns are a
method of expression. Conversely, ABA therapy empowers the child in new ways. The idea is to give the child options to express their distress in more appropriate, healthier outlets.
When you opt for ABA therapy, you will be assigned a BCBA (that Board Certified Behavior Analyst previously mentioned) and an RBT (or Registered Behavior Technician) to examine areas of concern.
For example, in the past, when grocery shopping, you may have had to cut your trips short because of your child’s inappropriate behaviors. Through ABA sessions, therapists will help you understand what the behavior is expressing while determining the child’s needs. It is through observation and data that we can identify and reshape undesirable behaviors. In this process, ABA will also coach parents to praise positive behaviors they would like to see more often.
Before starting a session, it is a great idea to meet with your BCBA and RBT so they can observe your family and child in your home, a natural environment, which can help determine the best treatment approach for the client and family. If ABA isn’t your best treatment option, your BCBA can suggest other techniques to help you achieve your goals.
Precisely How Does ABA Therapy Work?
Therapy begins with the BCBA researching why select unproductive behaviors occur and what function they may serve. Undesirable behavior may be a by-product of stimuli someone with autism has not learned to cope with (such as confusion regarding a big emotion) or being unable to access something familiar that soothes them.
The individuals may not know how to identify or express their feelings appropriately. Unproductive behavior is often a result. It’s important to remember that behavior is neither good nor bad; it’s merely a response to something.
What are the “A-B-Cs” of ABA therapy?
A-Antecedent – what happens right before the targeted behavior
B-Behavior – what we want to shape, address, or modify
C-Consequence – what happens directly afterward
Employed to understand behaviors and why they occur, a BCBA will help individuals with autism learn appropriate coping skills during ABA therapy to help them determine alternate ways to deal with uncomfortable situations.
Suppose an individual feels overwhelmed by an argument between family members. In that case, they can leave the room to play with their fidget spinner in a quiet location. This five-minute cool-down example can help their developmental outcome overall.
ABA therapy can also help individuals cope and plan. By placing the client in simulated situations where they can practice, children learn what to expect and experience less anxiety. It also helps them learn to tolerate undesirable tasks without exhibiting problem behaviors.
How Does ABA Therapy Benefit Children with Autism?
ABA therapy has many benefits as a treatment approach for children with autism. One such benefit is individualized design. To be successful and reliable, providers hyperfocus on details to ensure their treatment plans adapt to each child, which includes motivations while including appropriate reinforcements.
Before beginning therapy, a BCBA will work with your family to learn about the child and their passions. For example, some children may enjoy watching a favorite TV show or being on their iPad. Other children may be motivated by going to the park or being on a walk. Your BCBA will get to know your family and determine what variables spark your child’s interest. ABA uses the child’s singular interests to help them express themselves appropriately.
Another enormous benefit of ABA therapy is that progress is defining progress on the individual’s timeline. ABA treatment differs for every child, and no two cases are identical. As the saying goes, if you have met one person who has autism, you have met one person who has autism. Each case requires a custom approach, and an experienced BCBA will take the time to get to know your child personally, considering their abilities when crafting attainable goals.
For example, let us say getting dressed for school every morning makes a child engage in unwanted behaviors to avoid it. The BCBA will note this problem area and work it into their therapy. The BCBA will create goals to make getting dressed more enjoyable and manageable. Typically, the RBT will work directly with the child to build the skill over time until the client looks forward to completing the entire task independently.
What Does ABA Therapy Entail?
A crucial component of ABA therapy is determining an adaptable treatment plan to accommodate the evolution of the client. When working with a qualified BCBA or RBT, your initial treatment plan will last for a set period, traditionally around six months. At the end of this plan, you and your BCBA will review the child’s progress.
During this meeting, you will also explore new goals and other concerns. If you and your BCBA conclude that the child has mastered a skill, you will explore new plans that include more challenging goals.
How Often Is ABA Therapy Effective?
ABA therapy is considered the only scientifically-supported treatment method for the symptoms associated with autism. One of the significant reasons ABA is so effective is that it relies on understanding neurodivergent children and their needs. It values their passions and works to keep things fun. Children learn how to cope with life and communicate in their way through ABA therapy.
ABA therapy does not work overnight, but the results are worth the investment and energy when used appropriately.
ABA research has found improved skills in:
- Daily living
- Social functioning
- Language development
- Cognitive and academic areas
Can ABA Therapy Help Your Child?
ABA therapy sessions help more than the child with autism. When performed correctly, the entire family unit benefits. The community also benefits because autistic individuals learn to engage at a higher level.
ABA helps those with autism learn how to process information that may be confusing or difficult. One of the most significant components of ABA therapy sessions is parent coaching, which teaches the many benefits of positive reinforcement. This post-therapy ABA creates consistency for the child and lessens unwanted behaviors.
With practice, new techniques will become second nature to the child, and you should see a difference in their responsiveness to their environment. The client and their siblings can understand each other’s needs and build stronger bonds by involving the entire family. This dedicated interaction makes time together more enjoyable for everyone!
Why ABA Centers of Washington?
If your loved one has been diagnosed with autism and needs treatment, consider a meeting with a BCBA to discuss your child and family and see if ABA therapy could be a good fit. Whether you need complete ABA therapy or a few meetings for parent training services, meeting with a BCBA can help you determine the best way to support the individual.
If you’d like more information about ABA therapy or have questions about whether it’s a good fit for your child, call ABA Centers of Washington at (877) 554-0710 for a free consultation or contact us
