WHAT IS ABA THERAPY?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based treatment using behavioral principles that can be used to teach children on the autism spectrum a variety of life skills. These skills include, communication, social, independence, self-advocacy, play, and listening skills. This evidenced-based approach utilizes what we know about human behavior to create lasting change in our clients. 

The primary goal of ABA therapy is to increase positive behavior while decreasing negative behaviors by replacing them with functional tools to increase appropriate behavior and communication. ABA is useful for children of all ranges of the spectrum who exhibit mild to severe behaviors. It is also effective in helping children reduce behaviors like self-injury. Additionally, ABA strives to teach children to generalize their skills. This means they can transfer new information and apply skills to all areas of their life, such as in the community, at school, or in the home. 

Treatment begins with an observation and assessment, where the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will identify key components and build an individualized treatment plan for your child’s unique needs. Through the use of positive reinforcement and our play-based approach to therapy, your ABA team can provide your child and family tools to improve cognitive, social, communication, and adaptive skills.  

What Are the Benefits of Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy?

Along with the well-documented benefits of ABA therapy, we have improved upon and adapted different strategies of ABA to increase the success of its methods.

For parents, being familiar with the strategies and techniques of ABA allows you to feel confident in teaching your children new skills, allowing you to be more involved in their development. As a parent, it will increase your confidence, decrease stress, and lessen obstacles to your child’s healthy development.

As you play this vital role in your child’s development, you’ll begin handling problem behaviors from your child more effectively. This opens up more avenues to integrate your child into different environments.

For example, if your child tends to display problem behaviors in crowds or out in the community, recognizing the precursor behaviors and how to de-escalate those behaviors will help you better ease your child into these situations.

Further along in this guide, we will discuss more specifics on different types of ABA therapeutic teaching strategies. By being familiar with these ABA practices that your child’s technicians or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are using within sessions, you can take those same principles and bring them into your home environment.

As a parent, the biggest takeaway is that your child’s learning will become more interactive, fun, and engaging. You will be right in the thick of things with the ABA therapists to see your child’s improvements.

Using reinforcement gives you a way to naturally teach your child that certain behaviors will be less “valuable” to them, meaning they don’t gain access to what they want if they exhibit that specific behavior. On the other hand, certain behaviors will become more “valuable,” meaning they will gain access to those reinforcing items based on appropriate or positive behaviors.

Is ABA Therapy only for Autism?

In your research on ABA therapy, you’ve probably noticed that its primary use is to teach and assist in the development of children with Autism. ABA is not just for individuals with autism but is also used to help with other disorders. ABA therapy’s behavioral interventions can help treat various cognitive and behavioral disorders.

The strength of ABA comes in its ability to reinforce positive human behaviors. It’s also easily adaptable to each individual, catering to their unique needs. There isn’t just one specific situation or diagnosis that benefits from ABA therapy.

At its core, ABA therapy uses techniques to assess, analyze, and treat any behavioral excess or deficit. This pertains to all ages and levels of development as well. It’s the science of teaching and learning, and ABA therapy principles can help children and adults integrate into their environments.

Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy?

Over the last decade, tremendous strides have brought awareness and development progress to ABA therapy. Because of this, over 200 million people have insurance coverage for ABA therapy, and all 50 states now mandate coverage for ABA. The details of your insurance plan will dictate what coverage you have.

We understand that it can be a stressful process to set in motion, and because of this, we will be there every step of the way.

Our team at ABC BEHAVIORAL SERVICES will answer any questions you have and take some of that burden off your plate.

We want to help you set up coverage as quickly and seamlessly as possible so we can begin helping your child. Different plans cover ABA in various capacities, and we are happy to check to see what that looks like for your family.