Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a mode of therapy in which behavior is modified using positive reinforcement. A therapist will set goals for a skill or behavior for the child and use a rewards and consequence system to help them achieve it.
ABA is one of the most recommended therapies for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and for good reason. There are many benefits it brings to the table such as:
- Improving Social Skills
- Teaching Independent Life Skills
- Providing Unique Therapy for Each Child
- Helping Parents Understand
- Enhancing Overall Life Satisfaction
Improving Social Skills
Autism can affect children’s social abilities, making it more difficult for them to establish and maintain social relationships. This can cause difficulty with making friends their age, as well as sharing and getting along with others.
ABA therapy focuses on teaching your child behaviors to foster positive social interactions such as making eye contact, smiling when a peer says something kind, asking for a chance to play with a desired toy, taking turns in communicating in a conversation, etc.
Teaching Independent Life Skills
Children with autism often require additional assistance in developing skills that allow them to live more independently from their parents/caregivers. ABA can directly teach your child important life skills such as brushing their teeth, sleeping through the night, using the bathroom, or looking both ways before crossing the street.
Your ABA therapist will help you determine the best ways to safely give your child more autonomy so that they build up to more independent living.
Providing Unique Therapy for Each Child
Just as every child is unique, so too is every child with autism, and every child’s situation. As a result, ABA therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all program; ABA therapy is flexible and specifically catered to the needs of you and your child.
We adapt your treatment plan to fit into your life while addressing the majority of concerns you have. Your therapy might need to take place at school or in your own home, and ABA therapy accounts for this as well. You will also get to decide whether one-on-one therapy is best, or if you’d prefer group therapy.
Helping Parents Understand
Parenting a child with autism can come with a multitude of challenges that parents of neurotypical children may not understand. For that reason, ABA therapy isn’t only for your child; it also teaches you as the parent how you can better understand your child’s needs and how to better prepare them for life going forward.
Your ABA therapist will design a comprehensive care plan that focuses on the needs of your child and you as their parent/caregiver. It may be difficult for your child to communicate their needs, but ABA therapy can give you the skills to better understand and help them at home.
Enhancing Overall Life Satisfaction
ABA therapy is most recommended to parents of children with autism because it’s been proven to improve the quality of life of everyone involved time and time again. Many parents/caregivers who go through ABA therapy will watch their child grow in ways they never thought possible. ABA therapy enables you to raise the bar, recognize your child’s full potential, and prepare them for a successful life.
Ready Set Connect is proud to be able to provide ABA therapy for parents who seek to support their child with autism to their best ability. If you have any questions about what the therapy entails or how it can address a certain issue that you’re struggling with, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can begin to set your child up for a lifetime of success.