What is ABA Therapy?
ABA Therapy is a type of intensive therapy that attempts to modify and encourage certain behaviors. It is provided on a one-to-one basis in a positive and encouraging environment. ABA therapy is a very effective therapy for children with autism and can be provided in a clinic, in a home, or at school. ABA is the only therapy that has been endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General as an effective treatment for autism.
ABA Therapy Areas
What to Expect in ABA Therapy
First, you will work with a Licensed and Board Certified Applied Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to complete an in-depth assessment for your child. The BCBA will look closely at how your child learns and what their interests and preferences are. This type of assessment important to help determine your child’s current abilities and what areas may need improvement. With parent/caretaker input, the assessment will help guide the goals that are developed for your child. Once goals are developed, the therapist and clinical team will work to break down each goal into teachable steps and then begin teaching each step in the behavior process to make your child as independent as possible.
How Do We Know That ABA Therapy Works?
ABA Therapy has been used to treat individuals with autism and other developmental disorders since the 1960’s. Since it began, there have been a number of different studies that support its success in helping children with autism.
Research Studies
One study, published in 2018, found that ABA therapy is effective in improving and shows significant benefits in the areas of intellectual abilities, communication skills, and social skills for children with autism.
Other researchers have found that that ABA is also effective for reducing the symptoms of autism and those associated with autism, such as repetitive behaviors or behavioral outbursts.
Parent Testimonials
“ABA Therapy was one of the single-most BEST decisions we ever made for our autistic daughter. Her ABA therapist was a god send….ABA taught us how to play with our daughter better and her therapist even spent a Saturday at our house helping to potty train her….Our daughter would not be who she is today without ABA therapy. After graduating from ABA, our daughter’s teachers now are surprised when we tell them she has autism. ABA literally changed our lives.”
“ABA has really changed our lives….We’ve seen great success gaining skills not only in communication and daily activities, but also helping him to be more independent and tolerant what is happening around him. Our providers helped us understand the functions behind behavior and how to manage and respond to behaviors….it hasn’t been an easy road, but as a team, we all worked together to ensure my son could be successful in the real world.”