What is ABA Therapy?
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. ABA is an evidence-based approach to treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA is backed by decades of research and has helped countless children diagnosed with autism learn new skills and gain greater independence.
The goal of ABA therapy is to improve meaningful behavior in real world, every day settings using techniques that are based upon the principles of behavior. ABA therapy applies an understanding of behavior to affect real life situations. The goal of ABA therapy is to increase helpful behavior in your child and reduce behaviors that are harmful or negatively affect learning.
Research has shown that ABA therapy is one of the most effective treatments for individuals with ASD. ABA therapy can help your child learn new skills and gain greater independence. It can also help to reduce problematic behavior. It can teach critical life skills—including language skills, communication skills, social skills, and daily living skills—which are the building blocks of success.
ABA therapy increases your child’s opportunities for meaningful personal relationships and involvement in the community. It can also help him or her manage throughout the day and become successful in school and at home, all while decreasing difficulties to learning.
How Does ABA Therapy Work?
ABA is a recognized and effective treatment for children with Autism when performed in a high-quality and intensive manner. ABA often utilizes positive reinforcement to increase desirable behaviors and advance the skills of the child. ABA therapy utilizes a research-based approach based on the principles of behavior. ABA programs are driven by data, so success can be measured and programming can be adjusted if the treatment is not effective.
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is the primary provider of ABA therapy services. BCBAs establish concrete ways to measure behavioral changes and improvements and identify whether behavior modification is appropriate or not. A BCBA must have a master’s degree or doctorate degree in behavior analysis or psychology and must take and pass a certification exam that recognizes specific training in the principles of applied behavior analysis. Some states require an additional license for the BCBA as well.
ABA therapy programs also involve ABA therapists – sometimes referred to as Paraprofessionals or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Therapists are trained and supervised by a BCBA. They interact directly with patients and work toward the specific and individualized goals written by the BCBA, typically in a 1:1 setting. It is common for more than one ABA therapist to work with a child.
ABA therapy programs are highly individualized, and each treatment program will differ from one child to the next. Your child will be guided through an assessment process and a treatment plan with appropriate goals will be developed. Your child’s plan will then be implemented through regularly scheduled sessions either in your home or at a location of your choosing.
For more information about ABA therapy and how it can work for your child, please contact us today.