If your child has autism, you’re likely researching the benefits of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. Since the 1960s, ABA has been used to help individuals with developmental disorders. It’s an evidence-based therapy that develops and improves behavior, motor, communication, and daily living skills. The goal of ABA therapy is to help increase positive behaviors that support social, emotional, or academic growth and decrease negative behaviors that adversely impact these crucial stages of development.
- What is the role of the ABA therapist?
- What do you do during ABA therapy?
- What is the difference between a behavioral therapist and an ABA therapist?
- What is an example of ABA therapy?
- What age is best for ABA therapy?
What is the role of the ABA therapist?
An ABA therapist typically works with people with autism, and their primary role is to help them learn new skills and develop desired behaviors. They also provide support and guidance to families to help them better understand and manage their loved ones’ challenges. By collecting data from a variety of sources (e.g., parents, caregivers, teachers, etc.), an ABA therapist creates an individualized treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of the child.
Within the personalized ABA program, the therapist develops goals to improve the areas of the child’s deficits, such as:
- Communication skills
- Social skills
- Daily living skills
- Motor skills
- Learning and academic skills
What do you do during ABA therapy?
ABA is a flexible treatment that’s often adapted to meet the evolving needs of the child. Therapy sessions are typically between the child and therapist or can also be in group sessions with peers or family members. ABA specialists use many strategies to meet the treatment plan goals.
Some activities during an ABA therapy session may include:
- Interactive play
- Eating and drinking
- Clean up time
- Pairing (free time)
- Hygiene or potty training
- Group time
- Social etiquette play
- Gross and fine motor movement
What is the difference between a behavioral therapist and an ABA therapist?
While ABA and behavioral therapy may use similar techniques, they have distinct areas of expertise. ABA is a specialized therapy to meet the unique needs of people with autism. To receive ABA certification, one must become a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). They also complete specialized training to identify behavioral patterns within autism, analyze their causes, and develop interventions to promote positive changes.
In contrast, behavioral therapy targets mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, or bipolar disorder. Behavioral therapists typically don’t use ABA techniques and employ other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral or dialectical, to address problems resulting from psychological disorders.
What is an example of ABA therapy?
ABA therapists use a spectrum of techniques to improve positive behaviors and minimize negative behaviors that impact a child’s physical, social, or cognitive development.
Here are a few examples of effective strategies typically used in ABA therapy:
Positive Reinforcement
This is the act of providing a reward after a desired behavior has been performed. The therapist identifies a goal behavior, and each time the child successfully demonstrates the skill, they receive a reward. Over time, this leads to meaningful behavior change.
Rewards are personalized to the child’s preferences and may include:
- Praise
- Watching a video
- Playing a game
- Receiving a book or toy
- Earning points towards a larger reward (going to a movie or a favorite restaurant)
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
DTT is used to develop social and behavioral skills. The therapist provides a prompt, asks for the goal behavior, and rewards the behavior with positive reinforcement. This process is then repeated until the desired behavior is displayed without prompting.
Modeling
This technique is particularly effective for developing social and communication skills. The therapist role models (or provides a video) of what the child is expected to do. For example, the child is prompted to shake hands when meeting a new person or to say “thank you” when given an object.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS uses visual aids to teach communication and vocabulary skills. The child gives the therapist a picture of an object; in exchange, the therapist provides the object portrayed in the picture. They continue this cycle to learn new words and phrases.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
NET therapy is effective in reinforcing language, play, and social skills in real-world settings. For example, while playing, the therapist will teach prepositions by providing instructions on where to place each toy: “behind the chair,” “under the table,” or “on the floor.” This activity naturally exercises gross motor skills and reinforces preposition mastery while the child has fun.
What age is best for ABA therapy?
ABA is effective for people with autism of all ages! However, the best time to begin ABA therapy is as soon as your child has received a diagnosis of autism. Early intervention is key in the formative years to support your child’s physical, social-emotional, and academic growth. The structured approach of ABA therapy creates a safe space where children with ASD can develop the skills they need to succeed and promote lifelong well-being.
ABA Therapy for Autism with Roman Empire Agency
If you have a child with autism, we provide ABA therapy to help your child reach their full potential!
If you’re looking for diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing support for autism, Roman Empire Agency is here to guide and empower you and your child on this journey.
Contact us today to get started!
