What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been recognized by experts across the field as the most effective treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder for decades. At Hidden Treasures ABA Therapy Services, we see the positive impact of this methodology on a daily basis.
ABA Therapy recognizes that every child is unique in terms of their abilities and their unique behavioral challenges. The foundation of every ABA Therapy intervention plan is a careful and thorough assessment. This assessment process relies on information received from parents, family members, and the child’s school. Once information is collected, a detailed behavioral intervention plan is developed that targets specific behaviors.
What does “ABA” mean?
Applied – Our specialists find and address the behaviors that are important to our clients and their family/friends
Behavioral – We focus on our clients’ behaviors and measure and address the behaviors that are in need of improvement
Analysis – ABA therapy is data driven. The therapy team constantly reviews the effectiveness of their interventions.
How does ABA Therapy work?
A behavior analyst designs, implements, and evaluates instruction and modifications of the environment to produce significant improvements in an individual’s behavior, giving them the greatest opportunity to grow and thrive.
Understanding the relationship between behavior and the environment is very important.
This therapy is based on decades of careful scientific research. Seeing progress is the direct result of observation and data collection.
Positive reinforcement and the establishment of routines helps clients develop new behaviors, increase or decrease existing behaviors, and relinquish problematic behaviors.
ABA therapy has been proven to be the most effective form of autism therapy, in addressing language, communication, and social deficits.
The Importance of Data
It is extremely important to ensure that your child is given the best possible care that he/she can receive; that’s why data is so crucial. ABA therapy is data-driven, which means that our skilled BCBAs design and develop every child’s personalized program based on objective data. Why is this important? The data that we consider is taken during evaluations and throughout the treatment, so our treatment is based on the direct, observed behaviors and challenges that your child faces. Our team looks at the frequency of unwanted behaviors and the variables that may be causing the negative behaviors. We also determine possible barriers to learning, and work to collect other important information needed to treat your child with the best care. This process helps us show parents and caregivers real, data-driven results and influences suggestions that our BCBAs may have for further development in each child’s program.
Parents and ABA Therapy
ABA therapy recognizes the importance of involving parents in their child’s therapy program. Parents receive ongoing training so they are learning the methods and interventions being used by their child’s therapists. This transparency in the treatment process ensures success and trust.
Autism therapy recognizes the importance of involving parents in their child’s therapy program. Parents receive ongoing training so they are learning the methods and interventions being used by their child’s therapists. This transparency in the treatment process ensures success and trust.
Research studies have shown that when parents are actively engaged and involved with their child’s therapy, the child with ASD sees more progress. Not only does parental involvement benefit the child’s development, it also creates a stronger and more empathic relationship between parent and child.
We work with parents to teach them ways to reinforce skills and behaviors at home. When our therapists teach new skills, they simultaneously train the parents to ensure that these methods are being incorporated in the home and into the child’s daily routine. Practice is key with ABA therapy, so when your child is not with his/her therapist, those learned skills and lessons should be practiced at home, which can help your child reach their goals much faster.