What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically validated method focusing on the principles of learning and behavior to improve specific areas of functioning. ABA is highly individualized, with tailored programs designed to enhance skills such as social interaction, communication, and self-care. At its core, ABA examines the relationship between behaviors and the environments in which they occur. By understanding the purpose and triggers of specific behaviors, ABA practitioners can apply techniques to either increase desirable behaviors or reduce those which are problematic.
"Autism doesn't come with an instruction guide. It comes with a family who will never give up."
Kerry Magro
For children with Autism, ABA therapy focuses on enhancing cognitive, language, social, and self-help abilities. Decades of research consistently support ABA as the most effective intervention for children with autism, a position endorsed by authorities including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Mental Health.
ABA also benefits older individuals by teaching skills essential for success in home, school, and community settings. Additionally, it can significantly reduce disruptive behaviors that pose risks to health and safety, and hinder opportunities in education, living arrangements, and employment.
How Does ABA Work?
Applied Behavior Analysis can be simply put as a tailored program that develops your child’s strengths while teaching them to properly cope with their weaknesses. These tailored programs are able to grow and adapt with your child. Various techniques are employed. We have briefly described a few below.
Naturalistic teaching where the student sets the preferences in the learning environment. We are basically learning their preferences so as to set them up for success in their therapy. By doing so, the families of the students can gain ground in continuing the students learning into the home and other environments.
Pivotal Response Therapy (PRT) where we focus on supplying more than one cue to invoke a response from differing motivations. It is a key therapy to the student’s ability to transition to naturalistic environments while managing oneself.
This is not an exhaustive list but gives you a taste of the ABA difference. At Reach High, we believe in building better families. ABA Therapy gives us the opportunity to work in partnership with our clients and their families.