What Are ABA Therapy Solutions for Children?

“What are ABA therapy solutions for children?” is a frequently asked question by readers and parents with an autistic child.

 

As children grow and step into the formative years of their life, they experience significant developments (both physical and psychological) that prepare them for the several aspects of teenage years and adulthood. Significant changes may occur in their emotions, personality, behavior, and social life. These changes are more often than not overwhelming and hard to navigate for children. But it becomes much more challenging for kids with autism spectrum disorder.

 

This is where ABA therapy solutions can help. It can provide children with the support and guidance needed to navigate the complications of life and become the best version of themselves.

 

Below we’ve discussed the various ABA therapy solutions for children that can encourage them to become confident adults in the future.

 

ABA Therapy: Overview  

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is deep-rooted in the science of behavior and learning. It helps parents and doctors to better understand how atypical behaviors of children work, how it’s impacted by the kid's surrounding environment, as well as what is the best way to ensure new learning.

 

ABA therapy uses a wide range of techniques to understand the problematic behaviors of children and change them into positive ones. The therapy focuses on improving different behaviors among children on the spectrum, such as social skills, communication, reading, and even academics. ABA therapy can also effectively help in improving overall skills with adaptive learning, including fine motor control, self-help, grooming, hygiene, and job competence skills. One of the leading reasons ABA is used so widely preferred by behavior therapists is that it can be used in various settings, such as the kids’ home, clinic, and school.

 

In a nutshell, the major objectives of ABA therapy are to:

 

1. Improve and expand social skills

2. Boost communication and language skills

3. Control and prevent disruptive/atypical behaviors

4. Improve focus, academic, attention, and memory

 

Who Is ABA Therapy For?

ABA therapy is majorly used to help and facilitate autistic children and adults. Nevertheless, it can also be effectively used for the management of a various developmental and mental disorders. These conditions include, but aren’t limited to:

 

1. Traumatic brain injury

2. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

3. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

 

The consistent use of ABA therapy can provide multiple benefits, such as drastically improving behaviors and skills while reducing the need for specialized care.

 

What Are ABA Therapy Solutions for Children?

Behavior therapists generally do not stick to only one ABA therapy technique to encourage positive changes and minimize negative behaviors. Instead, for best results, a combination of multiple ABA therapy solutions and techniques are used. The selected techniques are usually based the individual’s unique condition, targeted behavior, and treatment setting.

 

Some of the most commonly used ABA therapy solutions used for children include:

 

1. Reinforcement systems

2. Modeling

3. Discrete trial training (DTT)

4. Picture exchange communication system (PECS)

 

Reinforcement Systems

Some behavior therapists use reinforcement systems to teach children about the outcomes or repercussions of their behaviors. If a child fails to engage in the appropriate behavior, they’re generally prompted by the therapist to try again. In some cases, reinforcement is also withheld till the desired behavior is witnessed.

 

If a child fittingly executes the behavior, positive reinforcement is given by the ABA therapist in the form of a praise or reward. For instance, children might be given special tokens that can be traded for toys, snacks, or special privileges.

 

Modeling

In ABA therapy, modeling refers to the demonstration of desired behaviors. The therapist might provide a video, an audio or in-person example of what the patient is expected to do. For instance, the patient can be instructed to say ‘thank you’ when given a thing or shake hands when meeting someone.

 

This ABA therapy technique is especially effective for developing (improving) communication and social skills among children with autism.

 

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Discrete trial training or DTT entails the use of ABC approach in a controlled, one-on-one setting. The behavior therapist usually provides a prompt while asking for a desired behavior and (if successful) will reward the patient with positive reinforcement. The process is repeated multiple times or until the desired behavior is exhibited autonomously. DTT is used by behavior therapists to help children with autism develop behavioral and social skills.

 

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Picture exchange communication system or PECS uses images to teach vocabulary and communication skills to autistic children. The patient presents the ABA therapist an image of a desired object, in return, the therapist provides the patient with the object shown in the image. The PECS is continuously used to to communicate new terms, phrases, and modifiers.

 

Closing Note…

Psychologists state that when a behavior is followed by a reward (or something that’s valued), an individual will be more prone to repeating that behavior. This eventually encourages positive changes in behavior. The aim of ABA therapy is to help children and adults with autism as well as other developmental and mental disorders work on their skills in order to help them become more successful and independent both in the short term and in the future.

 

So, that’s all for today. We’d love to know if this guide on “What Are ABA Therapy Solutions for Children” was helpful in any way. Feel free to reach out if have any questions or if there’s more to add.

 

If you’re searching for more informative blogs on ABA therapy or autism in general, do check the rest of our blog section. Accel Therapies strives to assist clients in gaining necessary to knowledge to make informed decisions that’s best for them and their families.

 

 We can help you make meaningful changes to ensure you enjoy more successful outcomes!