Q

What is ABA Treatment?

You or a loved one recently received a referral for ABA services. Where do you go from here? Educating yourself on the background of ABA, is the first step to gaining clarity on this journey. So, let’s dive in!

A

Answered by

Encore Support Staff

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses behavioral learning principles to teach new skills, increase desired behaviors, and reduce challenging behaviors in individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. In a nutshell, ABA therapy aims to improve the quality of life for people who receive it. 

ABA therapists take an individualized approach to carefully assess the patient’s needs, identify meaningful goals, and create an effective treatment plan. While the most common diagnosis ABA therapy treats is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ABA has shown to be effective for a wide array of symptoms within other diagnoses. This includes ADHD, anxiety, and OCD to name a few. 

What is ABA treatment for autism? 

ABA therapy targets social, communication, and adaptive learning skills typically challenging for individuals with autism. However, its evidence-based strategies have also shown to support many other areas of a person’s life including executive functioning, academic, vocational, and beyond. 

ABA therapy doesn’t “cure” any diagnosis. It also doesn’t aim to remove any personality characteristic of what makes a person unique. Instead, we strive to shape desired behaviors to help them navigate their own lives independently and, more importantly, improve their quality of life. While doing this, we may alter the presence of symptoms associated with a person’s diagnosis.

Are patients satisfied with ABA services? 

Although this answer will vary by patient, patient satisfaction often goes together with positive treatment outcomes and a good therapeutic experience. This starts with establishing a healthy relationship between the therapists and patients’ family.

Satisfied patients are typically serviced by ABA therapists who leverage client’s preferences, strengths, and existing skill sets to meet them where they are. Additionally, the therapy team adapts treatment based on what’s socially significant to the patient and their family.

Is ABA therapy safe? 

ABA therapy focuses on using the simplest, most effective methods to achieve meaningful results. Practitioners will always prioritize a patient’s existing skill set and select familiar or least restrictive strategies before introducing a more complex intervention. Furthermore, practitioners keep families informed about proposed strategies and their potential risks, seeking input and approval before implementation.

Is ABA therapy effective? 

Although the research points to ABA being effective, it is not the strategies alone that creates the change. It’s the environment, especially one that supports positive change consistently. It is a team effort, with the client and parent being the leaders in this dynamic. 

If there are any two you should walk away with today, take these 2:

Teaching Functional Alternatives

When reducing problem behaviors, practitioners also teach appropriate replacement behaviors. For example, a child engages in excessive screaming to get parents attention. We’ll aim to reduce the screaming. However, the need to access the parent’s attention will still be there. So, we simultaneously teach them appropriate skill sets to gain parent’s attention, for example “asking for mom” therefore still giving them access to their desires but in a socially acceptable way. 

As humans, we all have desires and needs. ABA therapy doesn’t aim to change those desires or needs but instead shape appropriate behaviors to attain those desires and needs.

Practical Application into Real Life

Another key element is “generalization”. This is simply defined by how the learned skills are demonstrated in different environments with different individuals. We don’t want to see our patients flawlessly demonstrating an essential skill only in the presence of a therapist but not with the parent, at home, or in school. 

Generalization is a phase that is embedded in ABA therapy. This is achieved through collaboration and training with parents and/or other members that are involved in the patient’s life to ensure the patient will demonstrate learned skills in various naturally occurring contexts.

How do I know if ABA is the right option for my child?

If your child has been recommended for ABA services by a diagnosing physician, then they are likely a qualified candidate. Although there are other therapy options out there on the market for IDD supports, ABA has an abundance of evidence to support its effectiveness in shaping new behaviors and reducing undesired ones.

If a referral was not prescribed and you’re wondering whether ABA therapy might help your child, consult with their doctor to discuss if it’s a suitable option.

What should I look for in an ABA provider or agency?

In an agency, you should look for compassionate and knowledgeable providers who will partner with you through the therapeutic journey. From behavior technicians to administrators to board-certified behavior analysts, , each team member should be committed to guiding you and your family through a supportive and collaborative journey. 

Your chosen provider should have the technical skills to implement ABA strategies and the soft skills to nurture a healthy therapeutic relationship, creating a safe space to encourage engaging therapy sessions and positive learning experiences. 

How Do We Stand Out? 

At Encore, we’re committed to providing a compassionate and meaningful ABA therapy experience. Our expert team creates a personalized therapeutic environment focused on achieving real, positive outcomes for your child. We blend our deep expertise with a caring approach, ensuring each session is both effective and engaging. By working closely with you, we create a supportive partnership that extends beyond the therapy room, driving meaningful progress in your child’s development. With Encore, you can feel confident that your child is receiving high-quality care tailored to their unique needs. 

Have more questions or want to learn more about how Encore can unleash your child’s potential through ABA therapy? Schedule a complimentary consultation today!