Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a commonly talked about treatment method in autism, but what is it exactly? ABA is an evidence-based therapy that helps consumers develop essential skills to live a full, independent life while working to eliminate challenging behaviors. This includes areas of learning like communication, language, and social skills.
Autism is one of the main conditions that ABA therapy helps with. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s communication, learning, and behavior. This typically involves symptoms like difficulties with socializing or mainstream learning styles and other things like repetitive behaviors, obsessive interests, and sensory issues.
As we continue in this blog, we’ll look at the following:
- The principles of applied behavior analysis in autism care
- Advances and innovations in ABA therapy
- Overcoming challenges: ABA therapists’ perspectives
- Supporting families in the ABA process
- Looking ahead: The future of ABA in autism care
The Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in Autism Care
One of the core principles of ABA is to understand an individual’s behavior. Why do they act the way they do? What are the environmental triggers? Once these things are better understood, a safe and effective treatment plan can be implemented. This plan focuses on changing these behaviors from problematic to positive behaviors. Studies have shown that ABA therapy has been successful in benefitting adults and children with autism.
Tailoring ABA to Individual Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. At Roman Empire Agency, we work hard to establish a plan of action for each consumer that fits their needs. We look at your strengths and areas of growth to determine the best ABA techniques for you.
Examples of techniques we offer through our ABA program include discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT). DTT teaches new skills via step-by-step processes and positive reinforcement, and PRT hones in on pivotal skills like motivation and initiating communication using play-based therapy.
Building Skills Through ABA: Communication and Social Interactions
When consumers first begin treatment, they’re assessed for their existing social and communication skills. Once we know these, we can look at the areas that need improvement. Some of the skills that we look at and help teach include:
- Initiating conversations
- Maintaining eye contact
- Picking up on social cues
- Reading body language
- Taking turns in discussions
- Identifying different emotions
- Learning play skills like sharing and turn-taking
Advances and Innovations in ABA Therapy
The most recent advancements and innovations in ABA methods are mobile apps, virtual reality, and telehealth platforms. Using these tools, professionals can better understand their clients, what areas they need help with, and the best techniques to implement.
Mobile Apps
Apps can be incorporated into ABA sessions to enhance communication (e.g., if a child with autism is non-verbal or has a smaller vocabulary) and help better identify different emotions and facial expressions.
Likewise, apps can foster social skills with games that give you a social scenario and choices for actions and words. Some of the most popular apps used in ABA therapy are 1 on 1: Communicate Easy, ABA Flash Cards & Games- Emotions, ABC Kids-Tracing & Phonics, and Augie AAC.
Virtual Reality
VR in ABA therapy allows individuals to fully immerse themselves in an augmented natural environment that helps with nervous system regulations. For example, a therapist may place their client in a virtual environment with a crowd of people, beginning with 3 people and slowly increasing to over 20, to help them overcome social anxiety in public. Other ways VR can aid in developing life skills include conversing with others, identifying facial expressions, and virtual driving.
Telehealth Platforms
In 2020, telehealth grew in popularity throughout all medical-based fields, including therapeutic interventions. For ABA therapy and other treatments to aid in developmental and learning disabilities, telehealth provides benefits such as treatment without needing to leave home or have transportation.
Many individuals with a developmental disability may not have the ability to drive, or they may not have a car or someone to drive them there. Likewise, anxieties related to leaving the home can deter people from getting help. Telehealth can ease the way into treatment, beginning with a fully remote environment and eventually transitioning into in-person with the therapist.
Integrating ABA with Other Therapeutic Approaches
ABA and Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy focuses on developing critical daily skills and challenges areas many autistic individuals face, such as sensory issues, behavioral problems, or physical impediments.
A combination of ABA and OT is typically recommended when the consumer requires support in multiple areas aside from problematic behaviors or social struggles. For example, if an individual struggles with their gross motor functions, OT can play a pivotal role in their progress towards greater independence.
ABA and Speech Therapy
ABA looks at why an individual says and does what they do; speech therapy concerns their ability to communicate. Speech therapy helps improve clarity while talking, enhancing conversation and allowing individuals to express themselves better verbally.
If a consumer of ours has speech impediments, we highly recommend they pair ABA therapy with a form of speech therapy. Speaking clearly and confidently can significantly decrease challenging behaviors because the person can express themselves through ways other than physical frustration (e.g., tantrums, hitting, excessive stimming, screaming, etc.)
ABA and Independent Living Skills Training
Independent Living Skills Training is a service we offer at Roman Empire Agency to increase self-sufficiency and give individuals greater independence. The main skill categories taught in this service include self-care, household management, and budgeting.
For example, in the self-care category, living skills training can teach an autistic person how to create a healthy list for the grocery store. This, combined with ABA therapy, can help increase a person’s overall ability to take care of themselves and react to situations healthily.
Overcoming Challenges: ABA Therapists’ Perspectives
Like any type of learning, ABA therapy isn’t always easy for the consumer, and there are barriers that must be overcome. At REA, we do what we can to help our consumers with these challenges so they can get the most out of our service.
- Financial Constraints
- Overcoming this: REA accepts most major insurance. Our team will work alongside you to determine how to get you the best financial support to participate in our services.
- Lack of Support System
- Overcoming this: If you or a loved one is without outside support from friends or family, we are committed to filling that gap. Our compassionate and resilient team is dedicated to supporting you on your journey, and we are eager to witness your success.
- Lack of Transporation
- Overcoming this: Most cities offer transportation options for those with disabilities who either don’t own a car, can’t drive independently, or have someone to take them to our office.
- Bringing ABA Techniques Home
- Overcoming this: Incorporating ABA into daily living isn’t just a learning curve for the individual in therapy. The family, caretakers, and loved ones must learn the techniques used in ABA therapy that can be done at home so that learning never stops at the door of our buildings.
That’s why our professional ABA therapists educate both the consumer and their support system, answering questions and always keeping everyone in the loop on progress.
Supporting Families in the ABA Process
Our ABA therapy services extend beyond the therapist-consumer dynamic; we firmly believe in the active involvement of family, caretakers, and other professionals.
Embracing a collaborative approach to our treatment plans has led to significant growth in our consumers’ skill sets, behavior, and self-confidence. Just as in any endeavor, having a solid support system enhances the effectiveness of ABA therapy.
Related Pages & Blogs
- Children and Adults with Autism
- Autism Treatment Guide
- Is ABA Therapy Harmful?
- How Can I Care for Someone with Autism at Home?
- Building Self-Confidence and Empowerment with Autism
- The History of Autism
Looking Ahead: The Future of ABA in Autism Care
Did you know?…
- Job growth for those with Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) certification increased by more than 5,800% from 2010 to 2022, and the increase from 2020 to 2021 alone was 38%.
- All 50 states mandate that health insurance plans include coverage for ABA treatment.
- As of 2023, over 32,603 ABA therapists are employed in the United States.
Along with the ever-growing number of ABA practitioners and demand for services, the future will likely see other areas of ABA expand. Resources like virtual reality integration, a greater focus on communication and social skills, and more data-driven decision-making will advance as we continue unfolding the depth of ABA and autism.
