Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S Surgeon General. It is an evidence-based treatment approach that is data-driven; it uses techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior. Data is collected on target behaviors, analyzed by the BCBA and behavior therapists. Then, therapy decisions are made based on trends contained within the data.
Since the early 1960s, ABA therapy has been used by hundreds of therapists to help children with autism by teaching communication, play, social, academic, self-care, work, and community living skills and by reducing problem behaviors in learners with autism.
What is the Applied Behavioral Analysis Process?
Applied Behavioral Analysis targets the learning of skills and the reduction of challenging behaviors. Most ABA programs are highly structured. Targeted skills and behaviors are based on an established curriculum. Each skill is broken down into small steps and taught using prompts, which are gradually eliminated as the steps are mastered. The child is given repeated opportunities to learn and practice each step in a variety of settings. Each time the child achieves the desired result, he receives positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise, or something else that the child finds to be highly motivating, like a small piece of candy. ABA programs often include support for the child in a school setting with a one-on-one aide to target the systemic transfer of skills to a typical school environment. Skills are broken down into manageable pieces and built upon so that a child learns how to learn in a natural environment. Facilitated play with peers is often part of the intervention. Success is measured by direct observation and data collection and analysis – all critical components of ABA Therapy. If the child isn’t making satisfactory progress, adjustments are made.
Is Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy right for my child?
Absolutely! ABA works well because the therapy is catered specifically to your child’s needs and each child is different. It focuses on introducing and building skills and positive behaviors, changing existing behaviors, and eliminating inappropriate behaviors. Research has shown that ABA is more effective with early intervention, but there are no age limits. It can be more difficult to change established patterns and behaviors in older children, but even adults can still benefit from ABA Therapy.
Why does Autism Therapy Group specialize in In-home and environmentally based ABA Therapy?
ABA Therapy works well outside of an office or clinic-based practice. Transference (Taking learned information from office to home or other environments) sometimes slows learning time. Environmentally based therapy also involves the community in which the child lives as well as increasing the bond between the therapist, child, and family.
We provide ABA therapy for autism in your home as well as in community settings. These locations may include swimming pools, gyms, supermarkets, restaurants, houses of worship, and friends’ homes. Our aim is to help with autism by teaching each child skills and behaviors that can be applied in the “real world”. As your child progresses, we show them how to use their new skills and behaviors in other settings and situations.
Why our focus is In-home ABA Therapy
ABA Therapy at home means speedier, more effective treatment.
The ATG concierge care approach to the treatment of autism allows us to work with your child within your home or surrounding environments. Those environments may include houses of worship, public open space, restaurants, athletic events, and many other environments that you and your child experience in day-to-day living. There is very real evidence the Applied Behavior Analysis is highly effective in curbing certain behaviors and providing better communication between you and your child. This type of therapy is one of the very few that has been sanctioned by The Affordable Healthcare Act-because results can be measured. Today your autistic child can be one step closer to a happier life by working with our Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy team.