By: Mariela Tapia-Hernandez M.Ed., RBT
Reviewed by: Melanie Bren, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
ABA or Applied Behavior Analysis is an evidence-based treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Parents who might speculate their child is showing early signs of ASD should begin by getting a professional evaluation. Once a medical diagnosis is given for autism spectrum disorder, parents can consult with a qualified board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). BCBA’s have extensive training in the principles of applied behavior analysis that has been successfully used in treatment for individuals with ASD.
An assessment is conducted before starting treatment to assess what skills the child is requiring across different domains. A BCBA will begin observing the child and collecting data to develop an individual treatment plan that best suits the child’s needs. Every child has a specialized program that adapts to their unique learning style. Goals may include reducing challenging behaviors (tantrums, resisting instructions, self-injurious, etc.) and increasing functional communication and social skills among peers.
ABA therapy is used to teach a variety of complex skills to individuals of all ages however, early intervention has been shown to produce excellent results when parent began ABA therapy before the ages of five years old. ABA teaches by breaking down skills into smaller steps that are manageable. Positive reinforcement is used to increase desirable behaviors. ABA therapy for toddlers can be conducted in various settings such as clinics, schools, homes, and even in the community.
Applied behavior analysis is proven to be a successful treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Interventions used in ABA therapy have an extensive amount of research that has demonstrated positive results for teaching skills and reducing challenging behaviors in individuals with ASD. ABA delivers only evidence-based practices that are high quality and harmless to the child’s development. Data is collected during every session to track the child’s progress on all their goals and behaviors.
A BCBA will consistently monitor the child’s progress to make data-driven decisions. They observe what approaches are working and whether the child treatment needs to be modified. ABA has a systematic approach when it comes to any decisions making. A BCBA will always considers the family’s values and preferences before developing an intervention. For treatment to be effective the family’s support is always encouraged in ABA therapy. Clinicians use their expertise to guide the parent through procedures and strategies that can be implemented by anyone at home and school.
Children can be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as early as 18 months. ABA treatment is suggested to parents once a diagnosis is given to the child. Early intervention has shown significant results in children who began at a young age. Some children are able to acquire substantial improvement to tolerate being in a neurotypical classroom.
A common misconception is that children sit at a table with a therapist for an extended period doing aversive task