What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a type of behavior intervention that helps children with autism learn and improve behaviors through positive reinforcement. ABA can help to address and reduce many of the symptoms of autism such as aggression, hyperactivity and self-injury. Using this method, Apara Autism Center teaches children how to develop skills in communication, play, social skills and more.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based form of therapy that uses behavioral data to identify behaviors and determine how they are affecting the child's day-to-day life. It is an effective method for helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

One of the most important aspects of ABA therapy is that it is an early intervention approach that focuses on a child's specific needs and goals. Research has shown that children who begin ABA therapy before the age of five years often gain significantly more adaptive and cognitive skills than those who begin treatment after this age.

A therapist will work closely with the family to understand the child's specific learning style, what he or she likes and what is frustrating him or her. This will allow the therapist to design an individualized care plan that works best for the child and the family.

An ABA session is an interactive, high-energy environment between the therapist and the child. The therapist will use various methods of teaching the child, such as discrete trial training, modeling, and positive reinforcement. Sometimes the child will also participate in a circle time with other children and their therapists.

The therapist will be very patient and flexible with the child to ensure that the child is engaged in the process and is working towards their goal. The therapist may ask the child to complete tasks at a different rate or speed depending on the level of challenge for the child.

Each session will include a variety of modalities, such as verbal praise, tickles, hugs, high-fives and opportunities to play or eat. These are used to increase attention and focus on the tasks being taught.

Some sessions might also include brushing, which is a type of desensitization that can be beneficial for some children on the spectrum. This therapy can be done in the home or in a clinic setting.

When choosing an ABA therapist, make sure that they are trained to assess and treat children on the autism spectrum. You can check with the American Association for Autism to find a qualified ABA therapist near you.

ABA therapists on this link have at least an associate's degree in the field and be certified in applied behavior analysis. They should also have experience working with people on the autism spectrum and a background in education. ABA therapists should also be willing to attend continuing education classes and participate in professional development events to keep up with the latest research and best practices in their field.

A BCBA will help parents to understand why certain behaviors occur and can develop an intervention strategy that targets the specific problem. They can also observe the child's interactions with family members and other adults in the home to provide valuable feedback to the parents. This can help the therapist to tailor the home environment to accommodate the child's needs and improve their daily functioning.

Check out this post that has expounded on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_behavior_analysis.