Learning about ABA therapy for kids can be tiresome. From reading about the pros and cons to finding the best ABA provider, things can get overwhelming.
In this guide, I have jotted down everything a parent needs to know from the ABCs of ABA to how it works. This guide has everything you need to know!
So let’s dive in to learn how ABA techniques can help your kiddo be the best version of themselves!
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, your pediatrician or healthcare provider may have suggested a therapy called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). You’re in the right place.
Here is a comprehensive article that helps you see the ins and outs of ABA therapy, sometimes called ABA therapy, and make the right decisions for your children. Starting with the first thing first.
So What is ABA therapy? ABA therapy is designed to help children on the autism spectrum enhance their social and emotional skills. Applied behavior analysis is a type of interpersonal therapy in which a child works with a practitioner one-on-one.
Why Do You Need Behavior Analysis?
Here are some ways in which Behavior Analysis can help you in:
- Understanding how behavior operates and affects your child’s life.
- Recognizing the influence of the environment on behavior.
- Learning how different scenarios impact learning
ABA therapy applies these principles to real-world situations and tries to enhance helpful behaviors and simultaneously reduce those that interfere with learning language, and communication skills.
ABA therapy programs can help:
- Increasing their social abilities like completing tasks, communicating, and learning new skills
- Implementing maintenance behaviors like self-control and self-regulation
- Teaching them to transfer learned behaviors to new environments
- Modifying the learning environment to challenge them in certain scenarios
- Reducing behaviors that may be harmful
ABA techniques have been researched and utilized for decades, supporting various learners in learning a variety of skills, ranging from healthier lifestyles to new languages.
How ABA Therapy For Kids Works
ABA Therapy encompasses numerous techniques for understanding and modifying behavior and is characterized by its flexibility:
- Tailored to the needs of each individual
- Delivered in various settings (home, school, community)
- Teaches practical skills for everyday life
- Can be one-on-one or in group settings
What is Positive Reinforcement?
Positive feedback is a key part of ABA. When a behavior is followed by a valued reward, the chance of repeating that behavior goes up. This leads to a lasting shift in positive conduct.
A person is given a reward that is significant to them, such as
- Admiration (e.g., “Good job!”, “You must be proud of yourself”)
- Toys, or
- Access to preferred activities (choose something they truly enjoy)
Each time the therapist identifies a target behavior and the subject successfully demonstrates the behavior.
Understanding Antecedents, Behavior, and Consequences (A-B-Cs)
ABA programs emphasize understanding what happens before (antecedent) and after (consequence) a behavior. This helps in identifying the reasons behind behaviors and how different consequences can affect future behaviors.
For Example:
- Antecedent: The teacher says, “It’s time to clean up your toys.”
- Behavior: The student yells, “No!”
- Consequence: The teacher removes the toys, saying, “Okay, toys are all done.”
To encourage more appropriate behavior:
- Antecedent: The teacher says, “Time to clean up.”
- Behavior: The student politely asks, “Can I have 5 more minutes?”
- Consequence: The teacher agrees, providing 5 more minutes.
With practice, the student learns to replace inappropriate behavior with a more constructive one, making it easier to meet their needs.
Components of an ABA Program
Good ABA programs for autism are individualized. They are not a set of pre-determined drills but are tailored to meet the unique needs of each learner.
The goal of any ABA program is to help each person work on skills that will help them become more independent and successful in the short term as well as in the future.
Planning and Ongoing Assessment
A qualified behavior analyst (BCBA) designs and oversees the program, tailoring it to the individual’s skills, needs, interests, and family dynamics. The BCBA starts with a comprehensive assessment, setting specific therapy goals that might include:
- Communication and language
- Social skills
- Self-care
- Play and leisure
- Motor skills
- Learning and academic skills
The program breaks down these skills into manageable steps, teaching each from simple to complex. Progress is meticulously measured using data collected during each session, allowing the BCBA to adjust goals and strategies as needed.
ABA Techniques and Philosophy
Here is how ABA techniques are used for ASD:
- Instructors use various ABA methods, directed both by the instructor and the individual with autism.
- Training for parents, family members, and caregivers is crucial to support continuous learning and skill practice throughout the day.
- Positive reinforcement is a central element, focusing on enjoyable learning experiences and positive social interactions.
Who Provides ABA Services?
ABA therapy is administered by board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and supported by registered behavior technicians (RBTs). BCBAs hold advanced degrees and national certifications, and in some states, a license to practice. RBTs, trained and supervised by BCBAs, work directly with individuals with autism, implementing the therapy plans.
Evidence Supporting ABA Therapy
ABA is recognized as an evidence-based best practice by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. Over 20 studies demonstrate that intensive, long-term ABA therapy (25-40 hours per week for 1-3 years) improves outcomes for many children with autism, showing gains in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills, and social functioning. Studies have shown significant improvement results in autistic children.
Insurance Coverage for ABA
Many private insurance plans and all Medicaid plans for children under 21 cover ABA therapy if deemed medically necessary. Speak with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand your coverage options.
Finding ABA Services
To find ABA services:
- Consult with your pediatrician or medical provider about ABA.
- Verify insurance coverage for ABA therapy.
- Search for local ABA providers or get recommendations from doctors and teachers.
- Schedule an intake evaluation with the ABA provider.
Questions to Ask ABA Providers
When evaluating ABA providers, consider asking:
- The number and qualifications of BCBAs on staff
- Training and supervision protocols for therapists
- Safety management practices
- Typical session structure
- Goal-setting and progress evaluation methods
- Availability and wait-list status
- Insurance acceptance
Contact our team
At OURS we have a team of certified professionals available to provide all important information you need to know. Email us now at admin@act-ours.com to access No wait-list Access to quality care.