ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach to autism spectrum disorder. Therapists collect data and use this information to develop the best strategies for your child. By adapting individual therapy sessions to the results of past sessions, therapists can improve the effectiveness of various autism treatment approaches.

During applied behavior analysis, a therapist works on reducing undesired behavior and increasing positive behavior. We work on helping your child develop better social skills, coping skills, and personal safety. When a child exhibits appropriate behavior, they receive positive reinforcement.

ABA relies on contingencies to achieve results. Here’s an example of a contingency: “If you sit down and eat your lunch, then you can watch your favorite show.” The if-then construction creates a cue for the child to complete the desired behavior. Additionally, therapists use strategies to improve problematic behaviors.

Applied behavior analysis works in a number of different settings. These settings may include school, home, houses of worship, or other spaces. Some children respond well to ABA therapy at home, while others respond better in a clinical location.

An applied behavioral analysis program utilizes behavioral psychology principles to give children the chance to improve their ability to interact with other people and communicate their wants, needs, and desires. Like other behavioral therapeutic approaches, an ABA program provides a clinical, evidence-based treatment option. Furthermore, it allows children with an autism spectrum disorder to create skills outside of the treatment program. Applied behavioral analysis can cover situations that may occur at home, school, or in everyday life. Moreover, this autism spectrum disorder treatment program can give your child the skill to address their negative behaviors.

When we begin our ABA program, our treatment specialist begins with observation and evaluation. Using this information, we can begin creating a treatment plan to help your child. During the treatment, we’ll use play-based situations, which enables your child to learn at their developmental level. Through our applied behavioral analysis program, we reward positive behavior. This system is ideal for play-based treatment because rewards, and sometimes adverse consequences, are an inherent part of a child’s playtime. During applied behavioral analysis, your child can learn a range of skills, including:

• Developing motor skills

• Creating new social skills

• Identifying and avoiding negative behaviors

• Building tools to communicate their emotions and ideas

Parents can also learn from the techniques we teach in our applied behavioral analysis program. For instance, with this treatment option, you can learn to manage your child’s negative behaviors. Furthermore, because we provide this treatment in your home’s comfort, you will have the tools you need to reinforce these lessons. We strive to connect with both the parents and the child during our treatment programs. In doing so, we hope to implement beneficial structures and behaviors in your home.

Because applied behavioral analysis is an evidence-based practice, it has passed various tests, which determine its quality, effectiveness, and usefulness. Furthermore, therapists may use several different techniques, which we can tailor to the child’s needs. As a result, we know that if one method isn’t a useful tool for your child, we have several more that we can implement.

When we have used applied behavioral analysis over long periods, we recognize that this treatment improves the outcome for many children who have an autism spectrum disorder. In most cases, this program is most effective when the child receives therapy for 25 to 40 hours a week over 1 to 3 years. During this time, the parents should see progress in language development, intellectual functioning, social functioning, and daily living.

Therapists hold both individual and group ABA sessions to accomplish different goals. While one-on-one therapy addresses personal milestones, meeting with other children with autism can help achieve generalization. Generalization occurs when your child carries over skills learned in one environment to another setting.

For example, if your child uses sign language at home, and you want them to use it in public settings, it may help them to attend group therapy sessions with other children who know sign language.

When your child generalizes behavior in different settings, it often indicates that they respond well to ABA therapy.