What are the materials I should use in ABA therapy?
Since ABA therapy for kids has a vast application, there are numerous materials or things that can be used for an ABA therapy program. ABA therapy can be done at home or in school. Depending on where the ABA therapy is being given, different materials may be used. For instance, using PECS, i.e, Picture Exchange Communication Systems, is used to develop functional communication for children with ASD by using pictures and other symbols.
Some other common materials used during ABA Therapy are visual session schedule. This helps individuals with Autism schedule their time and activities. Things like, a timer for teaching self-management, a choice board that gives the child a voice in his or her session and a token system to give real-time feedback to the child about best responding will be needed. The use of these materials, however, are modified according to the behavioural and developmental need and demand of every child.
Most of the materials you would need for ABA therapy are easily available. You can use the following:
Visual Auditory Timers
A Visual Timer is a simple tool that for individuals along the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, or others who need visual reinforcement. It provides an unobtrusive timer and alarm to complete time-driven tasks.
Peg Board puzzles
A pegboard is a wonderful toy which has a regular pattern of small holes for pegs of any shape, and is used chiefly for games or the display of information.
Building blocks
These are wooden or plastic blocks that can be stacked one above the other. They could be coloured or have numbers marked over them.
Flashcards
A flashcard contains a small amount of information, and is held up for the child to see and relate to, as an aid to learning.
Token charts
A token chart is a type of positive reinforcement used to encourage children to adopt a new behavior. Whenever the child carries out a desired behavior, a point, a sticker or a token is rewarded.
Matching cards/ toys
Matching cards/toys train the memory while simultaneously helping children refine their eye-hand coordination.
Board Games
A board game is a tabletop game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface or "board", according to a set of rules.
Picture schedule
Visual schedules use a series of pictures to communicate a series of activities or the steps of a specific activity. They are often used to help children understand and manage the daily events in their lives.
Worksheets
A worksheet, is a sheet of paper on which one performs work. They come in many forms, most commonly associated with children's school work assignments.
PECS
The Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, allows people with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. People using PECS are taught to approach another person and give them a picture of a desired item in exchange for that item.
Want to start ABA therapy for your child? Refer to our Worldwide Directory to find an ABA Therapist closest to you.
References:
https://ablg.org/abatherapymaterials
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an aba program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
The congruence of ABA therapy and autism has been a controversial subject. Parents have often felt that placing too many demands on their child could strain their relationship. It is very true that an ABA program places many demands on your child. And it is also true that, parents have to put the same demands on their kids too for the applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy to be effective. For example : If all your child's teachers and therapists make him ask for his own food, but you don't like to see him struggle to find the right words and instead jump in and offer food before he asks for it, then he may not generalize that communication skill as quickly as he otherwise would.
This is a simple example; there are other things you may need to ask of your child as a part of the ABA therapy program. These are things that s/he will find much harder and because s/he is not used to you as a parent placing a demand on them. Initially, they may even react more strongly to the ABA therapy program by crying, yelling, hitting, running away. Understandably, it is hard as a parent not to give in and just do whatever seems necessary "at the moment" to make things easier for your child. However, ABA providers always recommend that the parents control this instinct to do so.
ABA therapists suggest that in the long run, it would probably be easier for both of you to maintain the demands and make learning happen during the ABA therapy program, than to adapt yourself to his/her (unconscious) desire not to change. This is very common while teaching even ‘neurotypicals’. All parents learn that it is better even for their child in the long run, if they insist that their children clean up their toys, observe table manners, stay close in stores, even if it takes some amount of stress to enforce those rules. However, does this affect your loving, trusting relationship?
The trust and love that you and your child feel for each other is built on thousands and thousands of positive, successful, joyful interactions. Being firm when it is appropriate is the quickest path away from unwanted behaviors and situations, the best route to positive, happy experiences. You will have to place more demands on your child as he/she grows older so that they don't develop extreme behaviors. It is best if you can help your child to be successful, independent.
Since every child with autism is different, ABA Therapy program is also customized differently for every child. The role of the ABA therapist plays a key role here. It is highly emphasized to thoroughly discuss the particular strengths and needs of the child, parent’s specific objectives and other strategies for teaching before developing an intervention for the child. Even so, sometimes children may not be able to adapt or improve under therapy. Such cases may be more common in high functioning autism. In that scenario, switching to play or development therapy is suggested.
Refer to our Worldwide Directory to start ABA therapy for your autistic child, from an ABA Therapist closest to you.
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an aba program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
You, as a parent, are one of the most important people in your child's life, which makes you an indispensable part of your child's ABA.
Your active engagement in the therapy under the guidance of a trained ABA therapist can show very significant improvements. You know your child the best, and can provide insightful information that guides ABA therapy. As a parent, you can also continue to prompt your child to learn good behavior and reinforce this through his/ her various daily activities. You can help in teaching your child generalize their skills to all settings.
Implementing ABA therapeutic techniques at home can be done in a fun way.
- A common starting point in ABA therapy is the 'Sit In Chair' Activity. Sit opposite to your child and prompt him/her to give you eye contact. Eye contact is a prerequisite skill to teach a variety of other skills to your child at home.
- Conduct a Preference assessment with your child at home. Observe and test which objects are the most preferred ones for you child. Use those objects as potential reinforcers in order to teach them a skill.
- Reward your child appropriately for good behavior and tasks completion. Set up a clear system of rewards (point system, gold stars, preferred toy or edibles) so that he/she understands what to expect when he/she completes a task or refine his/her behavior.
- Be consistent with your child while placing a demand. In case s/he tantrums too much reduce the demand or physically prompt him/her to complete the task but remember don't stop the task otherwise you will reward the wrong behavior.
- Designate a separate room or a part of a room that is your child's special area. Avoid brilliant colors or complex patterns in decor. Simplicity, solid colors, minimal clutter, not near a window, proper lighting and a worktable facing a blank wall away from distractions/ blocking his/her access will help to increase attention and concentration.
- Establish a clear routine. Construct a timetable for waking, eating, play, television, study, chores and bedtime. You can also make a visual schedule for your child.
- Make your child clean up his/her toys after activity is completed
- Social Skills Training and Modeling needs to be conducted with your child so that s/he has clear ideas as to what constitutes in socially adaptive behavior. Teach your child how to behave in social situations and conduct a role play so that s/he is given adequate practice before being put into a social situation.
Basic principles of ABA:
It is important to remember the basic principles of ABA before implementing an ABA program at home.
- Antecedent: These are events that occur immediately before a behavior. An antecedent is what was happens right before the behavior occurred. It could be an instruction given by the therapist for the child to perform an action.
E.g., "touch your head", "do the puzzle" - Behavior: Everything a person does, say, feel, or think is a behavior. E.g., touching head, completing a puzzle.
- Consequence: Anything that happens after the behavior has occurred. E.g., reactions from the therapist, a special treat, verbal praise, etc.
Antecedent Manipulations (before the behavior has occurred)
a. Task Clarification:
Break down task into smaller easier steps. Give clear precise instructions.
b. Environment modification:
Reduce distractions in the environment. Arrange the environment such that the most interesting thing within sight is the activity you want the child to engage in.
c. Routines/ Schedules with breaks:
Set clear routines with frequent breaks so that the child's day is structured.
d. Rules/expectations:
Be very firm and clear with what you are asking the child to do. Set age-appropriate expectations.
e. Behavior contracts:
Written contracts where both, you and your child sign your acceptance of the terms of the contracts.
f. Capturing motivation:
Make the activity interesting by engaging in the activity with the your child. Be cheerful and excited when teaching.
First and Then Statements used in ABA Statistics regarding ABA
Shaping a child's behavior involves three steps: tell, show, do
- Tell:
Give an instruction to your child such as "put your toys back"; wait for few seconds for him/her to comply, and if s/he complies at that point provide a huge reinforcement ( verbal praise, clap, favorite food), if not then 'Show' - Show:
Repeat the instruction by modeling or gesturing what you want him/her to do such as "put your toys back like this" by actually picking up a few toys and put them away. Wait again for a few seconds for a compliance. If they do comply at this point, provide reinforcement but to a lesser degree, if they don't then 'Do'. - Do:
Physically prompt the child to complete the behavior of putting the toys back.
Consequence Manipulations (things to do after a behavior has occurred)
a. Reinforcement:
You can give an incentive/ reward to increase the frequency of good behavior. You can use it to help increase the probability that a specific behavior will occur in the future by giving a reward/stimulus immediately after the behavior is exhibited. Reinforcement can be both Positive as well as Negative.
- Positive Reinforcement involves presenting a stimulus to the child after the desired behavior is exhibited making that behavior more likely to occur in future.
E.g.: You can give your child a cookie when s/he keeps his toys back in the cupboard. Here, the cookie is a positive reinforcer to reinforce the behavior of keeping the toys back. - Negative Reinforcement involves when a stimulus is removed after the behavior is exhibited.
E.g.: Your child keeps his/her toys back in the cupboard to avoid solving puzzle which he/she doesn't like. - Token economy: You can set up a clear system of rewards so your child knows what to expect after behaving in a socially desirable manner and exchanging those tokens/ rewards for a bigger reward.
Eg- collecting 10 coins in a day in exchange of half an hour of cartoons.
b. Punishment:
Incentive/Reward taken away to decrease the frequency of behavior. Punishment is a process by which a consequence immediately follows a behavior which decreases the frequency of that behavior to occur in future. Punishment can be both Positive as well as Negative.
- Positive punishment involves presenting a negative consequence after an undesirable behavior is exhibited making that behavior less likely to occur in future.
E.g.: If your child engages in aggressive behavior with other children you can make him/her finish two pages of worksheet which s/he doesn't like. - Negative punishment involves removing a desired stimulus after an undesirable behavior is exhibited.
E.g.: taking away a toy that your child likes, if he/she engages in an aggressive manner.
c. Extinction:
Not rewarding/recognizing a behavior that is undesirable. It involves stop reinforcing a behavior after a point of time resulting in decreased probability of that behavior.
d. Planned ignoring:
Occurs when an adult ignores minor irritants in a child. It requires the adult to determine which behaviors will stop on its own and which behaviors need intervention, such as physical harm or damage to property.
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an ABA Program involve?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
What does an ABA Program involve?
An ABA program involves social skills training, pivotal response therapy, verbal behaviour training, and natural environment teaching. One of its therapy modules also includes social skills trainings for autism adults. Having said this, the techniques used in ABA therapy for autism differ from child to child. Any and all recommendations are made only after a detailed functional assessment. Similarly, the various interventions of ABA therapy also differ according to the needs of the child.
Some of the basic interventions used in ABA therapy are behavioural therapy, relationship interventions, positive behaviour support and cognitive behaviour interventions. The ABA therapist plays a key role in breaking down various target behaviours into small achievable goals after functional behaviour assessment. Whenever the child or autistic adult meets these goals, the therapist responds with a structured reinforcement and encouragement.
For instance, if the therapist wants the child to perform a task of solving a puzzle, then this process is broken down by the therapist into an ‘antecedent = instruction’, ‘behaviour = the child followed the instruction/ didn’t follow the instruction’ and ‘consequence = reward/ punishment. Every time the child follows the instructions correctly on their own, the therapist rewards the child. Every time they don’t, the therapist may give the child a time out, or an activity which would reduce the likelihood of the child not following the instruction in the future.
There are also specific types of ABA Therapy which again differ according to the child’s challenging areas of behaviour and development, the age of the autistic child and other factors. One such type is Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention that focuses specifically on children younger than five years. For verbal and communication skills Verbal Behaviour Interventions are applied. Similarly, there are some more types of ABA Therapy like Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training and Early Start Denver Model.
It was earlier believed that early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), a treatment module based on the principles of ABA therapy was one of the more well‐established treatments for ASD. However, a recent study in August, 2017 has implied that this may not entirely be factual. The study conducted started that due to the unavailability of high‐quality, generalizable proof to determine the effects of EIBI for ASD, therapists are suggested to take decisions about using it on a case‐to‐case basis.
EIBI’s module includes behavior modification for non-compliance, aggressive, destructive, self-injurious, and stereotypic behavior often exhibited by children with autism. It relies on the skillful use of positive reinforcement procedures. The ABA therapist may use things to eat, drink, watch, or even toys. The sessions are usually conducted in combination with social interactions. This motivates the child to produce independent language skills. The ABA therapist also includes the family members to identify reinforcers specifically for this type of ABA program.
Verbal Behavior, Verbal Behavior Intervention, or Applied Verbal Behavior (AVB), is an application of ABA therapy for functional analysis of the acquisition of language in individuals. The primary focus in AVB is to identify deficits in a child's functional language skills, to determine how to best capture a child’s motivation. This motivation helps to pair the value of a word and the word itself, through behavior training. Verbal Behavior intervention often works on mastering four distinct components of Skinner’s verbal behavior (i.e., mands, tacts, echoics, and intraverbals).
Discrete trial training (DTT) is a method of teaching skills through a structured module of small, easily-taught components. Skills such as cognitive, communication, play, social and self-help can be taught under the Discrete trial training module. DTT is a particularly strong method for developing a new response to a stimulus. However, it limitations involve lack of reinforcement for learner spontaneity and difficulty with generalization. The way to overcome these limitations is to modulate plans for teaching generalized use of these new skills. This could be across environments, materials, and people. It could also include the development of teaching plans for learner initiation of the new skill.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is another module of ABA therapy that builds on learner initiative and interests. It is particularly effective for developing communication, language, play, and social behaviors. PRT came into being in order to create a more efficient and effective intervention. It enhances four pivotal learning variables: motivation, responding to multiple cues, self-management, and self-initiations. Theoretically, these skills are pivotal because they are the foundational skills upon which learners with ASD can make widespread and generalized improvements in many other areas.
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an important approach for autistic children. The developmental curriculum specifically targets areas in which autsitc children may have difficulty—social interaction, integrated skills sets, and personal relationship forming—with a relationship-focused curriculum. It relies on intensively tested and empirically verified teaching techniques that draw on ABA and field-vetted teaching practices. The ESDM prepares autistic children and their parents for future educational and developmental programs. It helps establish relationship-focused behaviors in the autistic children at an early age. This assists in their integration to larger social groups in the long run. An ABA therapist may consider it as a great tool for autistic children who may not initiate a connection with their peers and may experience difficulty learning other related tasks. Refer to our Worldwide Directory to start ABA therapy for your autistic child, from an ABA Therapist closest to you.
References
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/faq/what-is-discrete-trial-teaching/
https://www.healthline.com/health/aba-therapy#goals
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009260.pub3/full
http://behavioraldimensions.com/services/intensive-behavioral-intervention/
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-1-4419-1698-3_373
https://csesa.fpg.unc.edu/sites/csesa.fpg.unc.edu/files/ebpbriefs/DTT_Steps_0.pdf
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
‘High-functioning autism’ has been a debatable term. Medical scientist and lead researcher Gail Alvares states that "The term 'high functioning autism' is not a diagnostic term and is based on an IQ assessment, rather than a functional assessment," He goes on to state that being labelled 'high functioning' could even make it more difficult for these to access the care they need. While individuals with high-functioning autism may not have an intellectual disability, they may experience severe deficits in areas of communication, social interaction, emotion recognition and expression. They may also present comorbid symptoms of sensory disorder, social anxiety and ADHD.
It's a common misconception that ABA doesn't at all apply to children that are high functioning. Rather than behavior therapy, autism kids who fall under this category, are usually recommended play therapy. However, ABA strategies for behavior management in these children could provide a varying level of structure according to the needs of the child. A modified ABA program gives the opportunity to high functioning children to learn in a less structured format. In fact, ABA strategies are incredibly effective and important for this population. For autism kids who’re undergoing an ABA program, modifications of the ABA therapy courses can meet the specific needs of the child with autism.
While your child undergoes an ABA program, you will need to thoroughly discuss the particular strengths and needs of the child, parent’s specific objectives and other strategies for teaching. Behavioral therapy works best when done in close collaboration with a certified ABA specialist. An experienced ABA therapist will be able to not only assess your child’s specific and overall degrees of understanding, but will also be able to personalise the ABA program for them. Often ABA therapist are easily accessible in more urban areas, however, they may be hard to find in more interior localities. Check out if you can find an ABA therapist closest to you.
Want to learn more about ABA Therapy from a certified ABA Therapist? Watch the Webinar!
References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/applied-behavior-analysis-259920
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
What does an ABA Program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
How often does my child need ABA?
Research confirms that children who receive more hours of quality behavior intervention show better results. However, every child is different and the requirement depends on the functioning level of the child.
Having said that, you may find that a duration of 25-40 hours per week, is ideal for better outcomes.
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Although, research has demonstrated early intervention for children with Autism but it's never too late to start ABA training. The strategies of Applied Behavior Analysis can help people with Autism of all ages. However, ABA as an autism treatment for children can be started as early as possible. The sooner you begin the intervention the better. It is usually recommended to start before the age of 3. To find an ABA therapist closest to you, access the Autism Connect Worldwide Directory.
Most children are between 2 and 6 years old when they begin ABA treatment. If a child starts at age 2, ABA can help them develop better communication skills and help them learn to follow directions and simple commands, to prepare them for preschool. For older children, ABA is often used as part of the child’s education, to teach social skills, daily living skills or to help change problem behaviors. An ABA therapist first assesses the child’s level of understanding and then devises a learning strategy.
The right age for a child to begin working with an ABA therapist is as soon as he or she shows signs of autism or is diagnosed with a developmental disorder. The sooner a child receives early intervention services, the better equipped he or she will be to become a productive learner in the classroom. According to a well-renowned source, in a study with toddlers, intensive behavioral intervention helped all ages, but those who started before age 2 were most likely to make dramatic gains.
References
https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-children-autism
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an ABA Program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
Where can ABA be practiced?
ABA services for Autism can be provided at school, at home or in the community depending on the needs of your child and the services that are available in that particular area. ABA practiced for children with autism are often based at home. These training programs require special materials and a dedicated area for working. ABA practiced for behavior modification in children may include a couple of hours of parent training per week. These ABA sessions may include parents using strategies they learn in between visits.
Some school programs use ABA strategies within the classroom. An ABA therapist may also consult with teachers to help support positive behaviors in the classroom. They may also be used as part of a child’s individual education plan (“IEP”). In addition, community-based therapists may provide ABA in the home to children diagnosed with autism. Most large to medium sized cities will have certified ABA therapists, while smaller towns and rural areas may not. This is why asking about experience of the provider is important.
Here’s where you can find an ABA Therapist closest to you.
References
https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-08/Applied%20Behavior%20Analysis%20Guide.pdf
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an ABA Program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is an applied behavior analyst who can provide ABA therapy for children. A BCBA is a licensed clinical therapist with additional training and experience in applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) approves ABA therapists with graduate-level education.
Board-Certified Behavior Analysts with a master’s degree and appropriate training are identified by the initials BCBA after their name. Those with a doctorate-level degree are identified by the initials BCBA-D. (In Florida only, a BCBA may use the initials FL-CBA or the term Florida Certified Behavior Analyst). Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, who are supportive team members with undergraduate level degrees and training, can also be certified and identified by the initials BCaBA.
A BCaBA cannot practice alone but can work in therapeutic settings when supervised with someone who is certified at a higher level. The BACB also certifies Registered Behavior Technicians with a minimum of a high school diploma and 40 hours of specialized training who work only under the direct supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA, providing ABA therapy for children. You find therapists who provide ABA therapy for children in our Worldwide directory.
Who provides ABA services?
Several parents take up ABA therapy or even Special Education as a profession to ensure the best autism therapy for their children. If you’re one such parents, here are the things you might want to know. A board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) provides ABA therapy for children & adults. To become a BCBA, the following is needed:
- Earn a master’s degree or PhD in psychology or behavior analysis
- Pass a national certification exam
- Seek a state license to practice (in some states)
ABA therapy programs also involve therapists, or registered behavior technicians (RBTs). These therapists are trained and supervised by the BCBA. They work directly with children and adults with autism to practice skills and work toward the individual goals written by the BCBA. You may hear them referred to by a few different names: behavioral therapists, line therapists, behavior tech, etc.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board has set high & stringent standards for Professional Behaviour Analysts to practice application of behavior analysis principles in various settings. ABA practicing professionals engaged in many hours of coursework, field work and exams before working independently. Ongoing certification is maintained through the earning of continuing education credits from approved courses. Only through these processes can the high ethical and success standards set by the science be maintained.
References
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis
https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-0
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an ABA Program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) helps children with Autism gain functional independence. Signs & symptoms of autism include discomfort in social situations, difficulty in communicating needs, often, lack of speech, with behavioral issues such as flapping their hands, etc. These signs of autism arise due to a sensory processing difficulty. This may affect their activities of daily living, due to which, they meet assistance or special services. Consistent ABA therapy for children can significantly improve the child’s behaviors and skills and decrease their need for special services. Behavioral therapy for autistic children includes exercises & activities that promote independence, communication, attentiveness, & social skills. Here are the benefits of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for your child.
Socially significant behaviors:
These are skills or behaviors required to function in a society or group. These include conversations with other people, playing in a group by following rules and taking turns, behaving appropriately in public, etc. Due to the sensory processing issues that autistic individuals may experience, it becomes extremely difficult for them to always maintain these socially significant behaviors. These behaviors include learning self-control and self monitoring procedures.
Why are these behaviors important though? When we speak of ‘independence’ we not only refer to daily activities, but also, to long term aspects, such as jobs or careers. Most autistic individuals are able to overcome or mask their sensory difficulties, and take up regular jobs, or even be inventors of incredible things. However, there are many autistic individuals on the severe part of the spectrum, who may struggle more. Hence, ABA therapy, helps such individuals as well.
Personally important behaviors:
Every child, autistic or otherwise, goes through the phase of learning the importance of maintaining personal hygiene. Toilet training, washing hands, dressing themselves, bathing, eating, etc. These are the skills required for self-help, doing daily activities and personal well-being of an individual. Parents of autistic kids often find it hard to teach these skills. ABA therapy for autsitic children helps the child adjust to a routine. This helps them follow these activities of daily living with minimal or absolutely no assistance. The ABA program for autism includes
Academically relevant behaviors:
Autistic children are known to have fleeting attention span. Parents often express that their children are extremely hyperactive and don’t focus on one thing for too long. This includes academics. While many autistic individuals are known to have savant skills, not all of them are academically always sound. An ABA therapy program aims at improving cognitive skills in autistic children, while also working on their attention span. ABA therapy for autism helps your child be more available or receptive to learning new concepts. These are the skills related to school work such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, math, reading, etc.
Behaviors required to learn all other behaviors:
These are the skills necessary to learn all other skills. These skills include attending to tasks, imitating sounds, words and actions, making eye contact, matching pictures and objects, sitting in a place for extended periods of time, listening to instructions, etc. ABA therapy for autism helps in teaching the child these skills.
Reducing excess and harmful behaviors:
ABA is used to reduce problem behaviors that may interfere with learning, such as hyperactivity, stimming, self-injurious and aggressive behavior etc. ABA also focuses on reducing or eliminating behavior that may be harmful to the individual or others around him/her. For example, reinforcement procedures increase on-task behavior or social interactions and reduce behaviors like self-injury or stereotypical behaviors.
Refer to our Worldwide Directory to start ABA therapy for your autistic child, from an ABA Therapist closest to you.
Want to learn more about ABA Therapy from a certified ABA Therapist? Watch the Webinar!
References
https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-08/Applied%20Behavior%20Analysis%20Guide.pdf
Other Questions
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an ABA Program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
