How does ABA Therapy Work?
If you’ve explored treatment options for your child with autism, you’ve likely encountered the acronym ABA.
What exactly is ABA and how can it help you and your child?
ABA stands for applied behavior analysis and is considered the most effective treatment for autism by the medical, psychological, and behavioral health communities. It is considered the Gold Standard in treatment. Supported by decades of empirical research, coverage for ABA treatment is mandated in the United States, with treatment taking place in your child’s home, community, school or in centers designed for ABA therapy and related services.
Despite what many people think, ABA isn’t one specific type of treatment. It’s an approach that uses a variety of interventions to do two things:
- increase helpful behaviors
- decrease problematic behaviors
Essentially, the approach is based on the scientific finding that behaviors that are reinforced will increase, while those not reinforced will decrease and eventually disappear. Treatment, then, becomes about identifying and reinforcing helpful behaviors—and not reinforcing those that cause harm.
Benefits of ABA
Improved Social Skills
ABA therapy can help individuals with social deficits to learn and practice social skills, such as initiating conversation, taking turns in conversation, and making eye contact.
Increased Communication Skills
ABA therapy can help individuals who have difficulty with communication to learn to use language more effectively, and to communicate their needs and desires more clearly.
Reduced Problem Behaviors
ABA therapy can help individuals to reduce problem behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, and tantrums, by teaching them more adaptive ways to communicate and cope with challenging situations.
Improved Academic Performance
ABA therapy can help students to improve their academic performance by teaching them skills such as following directions, completing tasks, and staying on task.
Increased Independence
ABA therapy can help individuals to become more independent by teaching them daily living skills, such as dressing, grooming, and meal preparation.
Better Quality of Life
ABA therapy can help individuals to achieve a better quality of life by increasing their ability to function independently and engage in social, educational, and vocational activities.
Accepting new clients!
Accepting new clients in South Carolina!
We are accepting new clients in York, Lancaster, and Richland County, SC areas!
Contact us now to take the first step towards the goals you have for yourself, your child, and your family. We look forward to talking with you!