What is ABA?    

Applied Behavior Analysis in general is the science of understanding how a person learns and behaves. Now if we apply this to individuals diagnosed with Autism it becomes the foundation of ABA Therapy. ABA Therapy is used to understand, adapt, and modify behaviors due to social, safety, or cultural justifications.  

ABA Therapy is effective because it is rooted in principles of behaviorism. These principles emphasize observable actions and how they can be influenced by the surrounding environment through the 5 senses. ABA Therapy is a flexible therapy that is tailored to each unique individual by setting small, but measurable targets toward an overall goal.  

Autism is a spectrum and so is ABA Therapy!  

Check out our Blog: Getting an Autism Diagnosis to learn more about the process of having your child diagnosed.  

ABA Therapy offers multiple benefits to children with autism. Some of the benefits you may see include improving communication, fostering social skills, increasing/decreasing behaviors, promoting independence, and more. Ultimately, ABA Therapy helps children build a strong foundation for their future.  

Science is cool, but what does this mean for Parents and Caregivers?  

As a parent or caregiver, understanding the principles behind ABA Therapy, actively participating in the process, and staying patient can make a significant difference in your child’s progress and quality of life. ABA is not just therapy; it’s a journey toward helping children unlock their full potential as they work toward their own unique definition of independence.  

This means that the staff assigned to your child are trained and possess the skills needed to ensure your child can work toward independence in a safe and natural environment... whether in the home, school, community, or even in a clinical setting.  

Austim Speaks has a list of suggested questions to consider when finding the right ABA Therapy Service for your child. Here are 10 of those questions.  

1. How many therapists will be working with my child?  

2. What sort of training do your therapists receive?  

3. How do you manage safety concerns?  

4. What does a typical ABA session look like?  

5. Do you offer home, school, community, or clinic based therapy?  

6. How do you determine goals for my child?  

7. How is progress evaluated?  

8. How many hours per week can you provide?  

9. Do you have a wait list?  

10. What type of insurance do you accept?  

What happens during an ABA Session?  

Prior to your child’s first ABA session, a detailed assessment of their current abilities, challenges, and behavioral patterns is conducted by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This might involve observing the child in different settings, talking to parents or caregivers, and using various tools like behavior questionnaires or interviews. Based on the assessment, the BCBA and parents or caregivers work together to set realistic and measurable goals for the child. These goals could be focused on skills such as communication, safety concepts, social interaction, or adaptive living skills. These goals will be taught by the BCBA or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), both of these therapists are qualified to implement intervention, or what therapist call teaching techniques.  

During the sessions, the therapist implements the ABA techniques to work on the child’s goals. This involves one-on-one personalized sessions with the child, during which positive behaviors are reinforced with rewards (e.g., praise, tokens, favorite items), and negative behaviors are redirected or ignored depending on your child’s specific needs. ABA therapists track data during each session. The BCBA analyzes data regularly to measure progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary. This helps ensure that the approach remains effective, and that progress is made.  

Can Parent’s and Caregivers be involved in the ABA Therapy Process?  

Yes! It is highly encouraged that all parents and caregivers take part in the process. Parents and caregivers are often trained in ABA techniques so they can reinforce what is being taught in therapy at home and in other settings. This continuity of care ensures that progress is maintained, and that the child has more opportunities to practice the skills they learn.    

Here are some tips for Parents and Caregivers seeking an active part in their child’s therapy  

1. Understand The Process: Getting a diagnosis, finding a provider, multiple assessments, gaining approval from insurance/funding programs, waitlists, and program timing.  

2. Practicing Patience: Aside from the lengthy process, taking time to initiate therapy strategies at home, being patient as behaviors change with age and environmental changes, and taking the time to acknowledge and praise those small positive changes.  

3. Stay Involved: Attending regular parent/caregiver training to learn the skills needed to provide consistency and stay up today on your child’s progress. Update your child’s therapist of any environmental changes or medical concerns.  

4. Routine & Reinforce: Provide consistency by trying to maintain a predictable routine for your child and reinforce those positive behaviors immediately.  

5. Track Progress: Read through your child’s behavior plan, don’t just sign it. This is provided to the parent or caregiver to track the child’s progress. It also contains useful information and teaching strategies. Parents and Caregivers are also encouraged to see feedback from each session from the child’s therapist.  

6. Celebrate Milestones: When a child master's a target or objective it is important for the caregivers to celebrate these small wins because it boosts the child’s self-confidence, while fostering a loving and supportive relationship.  

7. Collaborate: Don’t just work with your child’s therapist. Work with each professional in your child’s life to gain a well-rounded insight. This will help you meet your child where they are at.  

To simplify, ABA Therapy is family focused, and parent/caregiver involvement is crucial to success. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation! Also, check out our other blogs such as Avoiding Caregiver Burnout and Behavior Intervention Plans to learn more.