Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is becoming widely accepted and research-supported treatment for autism and other developmental disabilities. ABA is a highly structured, goal-oriented, way of enhancing specific behaviors, communication, and independence. If you are a parent or caretaker contemplating therapy, understanding the process, advantages, and what to expect from ABA therapy can provide informative knowledge and confidence.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA treatment is a behaviorally based approach to learning and behavior growth. ABA uses the science of learning and behavior analysis to apply evidence-based procedures to teach and strengthen desired behavior and reduce interfering behavior that is disrupting learning or social interaction. While ABA is most notably associated with treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ABA is just as effectively used in the treatment of persons with ADHD, developmental delay, and other behavioral disorders.
The treatment is highly individualized. The treatment plans are customized to address the unique needs of each individual, their developmental level, and family goals. ABA programs may be provided in an array of environments, such as a home, school, or clinic.
The ABA Therapy Process: What to Expect
The ABA therapy process is structured and involves several steps that are discrete in nature but all of which are specifically aimed at providing tangible gains over a period of time.
1. Initial Assessment
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts an assessment prior to starting treatment. The assessment includes:
- Direct observation of the child in his or her natural environment
- Interviews with parents to define goals and challenges
- Standardized checklists and tools to measure behavior and skills
The BCBA gathers data on communication, social relationships, adaptive behavior (e.g., dressing or toileting), and problem behavior.
2. Individual Treatment Plan
The BCBA creates a customized therapy strategy with particular objectives based on the findings of the initial assessment. These may be:
- Enhancing language and communication
- Enhancing social and play skills
- Enhancing self-help and daily living skills
- Reducing problem behavior such as aggression or self-injurious behavior
All the objectives are broken down into tasks that are feasible, and approaches are modified to the child’s learning style.
3. Therapy Sessions
The therapy is carried out by trained staff, including Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), under supervision of the BCBA. It is conducted one-on-one and is typically a few hours to a whole-day program, depending on the child. Sessions can involve:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): A method of skill instruction step-by-step.
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Teaching skills in play and daily living opportunities.
- Task Analysis: Breaking down hard-to-teach tasks (such as toothbrushing) into teachable, instructional pieces.
4. Data Collection and Progress Monitoring
The child’s performance is measured correctly by the therapist at each session. This enables the BCBA to track progress, change instructional strategies, and change goals as needed.
5. Parent and Caregiver Involvement
ABA therapy also addresses family involvement. Parents are typically trained and guided by BCBAs to implement the skills that have been learned in home and community environments.
Consistency and progress are ensured through this consolidation.
Benefits of ABA Therapy
ABA therapy relies on decades of research and has been supported by the likes of the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. Among the most significant advantages are:
1. Enhanced Communication Skills
Improving verbal as well as nonverbal communication is one of the primary goals of ABA therapy. The majority of children learn to verbally communicate or expand need and feeling expression through other methods such as picture exchange systems or signing.
2. Reduce Problem Behavior
ABA targets the root of problem behavior and implements proactive strategies to substitute them with new ones. For example, if a child cries for attention, therapists can train the child to ask for help.
3. Increased Independence
Functional tasks such as dressing, feeding, grooming, and toilet training are at the core of ABA. Children who acquire basic life skills have a greater ability to live with greater autonomy at home, at school, and in the community.
4. Acquisition of Social Skills
Most children with developmental problems find it hard to interact socially. ABA therapy can learn how to play together, maintain eye contact, share, and recognize social signals.
5. Academic Education and School Readiness
Systematic skill acquisition and training through ABA therapy enable children to settle well in school life. Pre-academic skills such as command obedience, group sitting, and maintaining attention towards activity can also be addressed by therapists.
6. Family Empowerment
Families and caregivers are frustrated with behavior problems. ABA therapy equips them with skills and strategies to manage behavior and establish a harmonious home life.
Why ABA Therapy Works
ABA therapy is successful because it is:
● Data-Driven
It is constantly monitored how things are progressing. If something is not functioning, it is altered according to what is presently known. It facilitates making sure the treatment adapts to the child’s changing requirements.
● Individualized
Every child is different. ABA therapy is designed to respond to each child’s strengths, interests, and goals. This individualized approach leads to the greatest level of engagement and learning.
● Reinforcement-Based
One of the core components of ABA is positive reinforcement. Because positive behavior is rewarded, it will persist. Through repetition, long-term change of behavior over a period of time is strengthened.
● Structured yet Flexible
While ABA is presented in structure, it is equally flexible to fit into natural learning environments. Therapists employ real life either through play, routine, or interaction with peers to support meaningful and enjoyable learning.
Is ABA Therapy Appropriate for Your Child?
While ABA therapy is not so much a cookie-cutter approach, it offers a tried-and-true system that can be adapted to treat a wide range of developmental disorders. If your child is experiencing delays in communication, behavior, or social skills, it’s worth talking to an experienced ABA provider about whether or not this approach will be appropriate.
Above all, ABA is not fixing the child but making him—and his family—still more self-reliant and confident wanderers in life.
Looking for ABA Therapy in Maryland? We provide personalized, in-home and clinic-based services to support your child’s growth and development.
Conclusion
ABA is not a therapy, it’s a partnership that brings together children and families. Through the use of individualized goals, measurable change, and meaningful progress, ABA allows children to develop skills that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering ABA therapy, you’re likely wondering what it’s like and how it works so that you can make a confident and informed decision.