Imagine waking up one day and realizing that you can’t talk. You need something, but you have no way to tell anyone. Suddenly, everyday activities like buttoning your shirt and tying your shoes feel insurmountable. And when someone walks into the room and talks to you, you have no idea what they want or how to react.
For individuals with autism, that’s what life can be like every day. Life can feel like an insurmountable and confusing challenge that they don’t know how to navigate.
ABA therapy helps people with autism build skills that help them navigate life. It’s highly individualized, so those skills vary depending on the individual. From communication techniques to social skills to healthy hygiene, ABA therapy can be life-changing in the best way possible.
What is ABA therapy?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a therapy that helps people build fundamental skills and meet goals. It’s a method that is tested, proven, and built on the science of behavior.
The premise of ABA is based on encouraging positive behaviors or actions and discouraging negative behaviors or actions. This is done through leveraging psychology and the fundamentals of human nature to help people reach what they want to achieve.
ABA is the most highly recommended therapy for individuals with autism, especially for young children. But other individuals benefit from ABA, too. Adults or teenagers with autism find ABA extremely helpful. ABA therapy can also be extremely beneficial for individuals who have ADHD, learning disabilities, mental illnesses, or addictions.
Does ABA therapy work?
Yes. The effectiveness of ABA therapy has been proven many times. From the 1980’s until today, studies, experiments, and insights demonstrate ABA’s positive impact. And it’s not only studies — countless families point to ABA as the defining factor that allowed their children to grow and achieve.
In fact, many pediatricians prescribe ABA therapy for all their patients who are diagnosed with autism. The U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association all endorse ABA as an effective, evidence-based practice and recommend it for children with autism.
What are the benefits of ABA therapy?
ABA is so highly recommended because it has many advantages and positive outcomes. From specific skills that ABA can help develop to general advantages of the approach, the list is endless. Here are 6 top advantages.
It’s individualized and personalized
Behavioral analysis is a science. Just like the laws of physics explain physical effects — but don’t limit what you can do with them, the laws of behavior give a framework without limiting what you can do with it. That means you can use ABA to set and achieve any goals — and that ABA will look different for every person. One child’s ABA therapist will work with them on healthy eating habits, and another child will work with their therapist on developing social skills.
It can happen anywhere
Some therapies are limited to clinics. But ABA is a flexible modality, and your child’s ABA therapist can work with them anywhere. Some people receive therapy in a clinic. Others receive it in daycare or school. Others have an ABA therapist who comes to their home. ABA sessions don’t have to be limited to 1 place. Actually, some ABA therapists prefer to take their clients to different places — like a park, grocery store, or library — so they can practice skills in real-life settings.
It improves communication
One major pro of ABA therapy is that it helps individuals (especially those who have autism) communicate with others. Whether it’s developing verbal communication or finding alternate methods to share what they need, ABA is a life-changer for children who have a hard time communicating.
It builds life skills
No one lives in a bubble, even individuals who have developmental challenges. Everyone needs and deserves the skills to navigate the world we live in. ABA helps individuals address their weaknesses so they can develop the tools they need to thrive in daily life, like healthy eating, hygiene, communication, good sleep habits, and toilet training.
It works
It can be overwhelming for individuals with autism to develop new skills. ABA offers them a clear, proven plan that will actually help them succeed. ABA therapy has a high success rate. It has been and continues to be effective for countless people — helping them and their families reach goals they didn’t think were possible.
It supports parents
Parent training is part and parcel of ABA therapy. A BCBA (board certified behavior analyst) regularly meets up with their clients’ parents to train, advise, and strategize together on how to best help their child. Parents get to learn new methods and participate in their child’s therapy, giving them the best possible route to success. .
ABA therapy outcomes
There are many incredible ABA therapy results. Individuals of all ages and with all kinds of challenges find ABA to be extremely helpful in setting and achieving new goals.
Some common outcomes of ABA:
- New social skills — ABA can help children relate to their peers, make new friends, and connect with their families.
- Improved personal hygiene — with a sensory-friendly approach, ABA can help children keep themselves appropriately clean.
- Better bedtimes — carefully created routines can transform nighttime and sleep habits for the better.
- Enhanced motor skills — ABA can help children build, practice, and retain fine and gross motor skills.
Independence — new skills and self-awareness help children to advocate for themselves and manage more on their own.
How can I get ABA therapy services?
It’s simple to get started. Just reach out to a certified ABA agency in your area. Look for an agency that services your child’s age and has good reviews from people in your state or county.
ABA therapy is often covered by insurance. For insurance coverage, you’ll need to have a formal diagnosis of autism. You can also receive a referral from a doctor. Want to learn more? Reach out to our intake team.
