Your child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, and your doctor has recommended ABA therapy, but what is that and how can it help your child? ABA Therapy stands for Applied Behavior Analysis and is one of the most common interventions for children with autism. The goal of ABA therapy is to teach skills and change behaviors. The skills taught in ABA are individualized for each child, based on their needs. ABA is a data-driven approach that uses evidence-based practices. It is based on the idea that skills can be taught and behaviors can be changed through reinforcement.
Getting Started
To start with ABA, you’ll need to consult with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst also known as a BCBA. A BCBA has a graduate-level degree in behavior analysis, and can complete a functional behavior assessment (FBA). During this assessment the BCBA will observe your child’s communication skills, behaviors and other abilities. This assessment allows the BCBA to create individualized interventions based on the child’s needs. Once the BCBA has created a formal treatment plan with specific goals, they can start doing ABA.
Treatment
Direct behavioral therapy can be done by a behavior technician , a board-certified behavior analyst or a board-certified assistant behavior analyst. For more information about who can provide behavioral therapy check out the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Throughout treatment, the BCBA will evaluate the current goals a client is working on, and adapt them as needed. The specific goals of treatment for each child will be different.
ABA therapy can be done at an in-patient treatment center, at school or in a home. Most ABA therapy programs also offer the option for parents to learn skills that will support their child’s treatment program outside of ABA. This website has a glossary of ABA terms that might be helpful to review while your child is receiving treatment.
Summary
In my four years as a Registered Behavior Technician, I have seen ABA therapy have a positive impact on children and their families. ABA is a great resource but it isn’t the only resource. There are other options if ABA doesn’t seem like the right fit for you and your child. For more information about other resources for autism check out the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
Some other great sources for information about ABA are:
- Is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Right for Your Child?
- Behavioral Treatment of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
