ABA is one of the most common types of therapy that children with Autism receive. According to a national study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 64% of children diagnosed with ASD receive ABA.
ABA Therapy is a highly systematic, scientific approach that incorporates principles of behavioral theory to shape the behaviors of an individual. The goal of ABA is to increase positive behaviors, reduce negative behaviors that interfere with daily activities, and teach new behaviors.
The intensive approach was developed in the 1960s by a psychologist and the principles have evolved significantly since then. As more research has emerged on Autism Spectrum Disorder, many of the principles of ABA have evolved. Now ABA incorporates more positive reinforcement to encourage a child to change their behavior.
Participating in ABA can help a child with behavior difficulties, sometimes due to a diagnosis of Autism, another developmental disorder, ADHD, or Learning Disability. ABA is designed to help a child function successfully in a variety of environments within their daily life. That includes places like home, school, and other therapy sessions.
Here’s a closer look at what ABA sessions consist of, who provides these services, and how ABA can benefit certain children.
What does ABA therapy look like?
Initial Evaluation
Parent Interview. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will ask you questions about your child’s medical history and background, diagnoses, other therapies he or she receives, and behaviors.
ABA should be family-centered, so the BCBA will likely ask questions about what your goals are for treatment.
Observations and testing: During the evaluation, the BCBA will observe your child’s behaviors during play-based activities. He or she might also complete a standardized test that can provide a measure of the child’s skills.
Recommendations: The BCBA will discuss the results of the evaluation and may provide a recommendation for ongoing ABA therapy. He or she will customize a treatment plan according to your child’s needs, strengths, and daily life.
You’ll discuss how many hours per week are recommended, and where therapy can take place.
ABA Intervention
Where does ABA take place?
ABA therapy can be provided in several settings like a clinic, home, or school. Because ABA is meant to address functional skills that can help your child participate in daily activities, sessions might even take place somewhere in the community like at a store or playground.
How long are sessions?
This can range according to your child’s needs. It might be recommended that some children receive 1 hour of ABA a day, and others 4 hours a day.
What happens during an ABA session?
During ABA sessions, the therapist will use specific behavioral interventions and strategies as your child engages in certain activities or completes specific tasks.
- Snack time
- Playtime
- Daily tasks (brushing hair, tying shoes, etc)
- Social situations (social skills groups, circle time at school)
- Potty training
- Other daily activities that are difficult for your child to engage in properly due to their interfering behaviors.
The therapist will identify the reasons why your child’s challenging behaviors occur. For example, to escape a certain task, gain attention from others (Which could be positive or negative), get something he or she wants, or to receive sensory input.
- Antecedent: factors that cause a behavior. Ex: transitioning away from a favorite toy.
- Behavior: what the child does. Ex: throw the toy, bang his or her head on the ground.
- Consequence: something that immediately follows a behavior as a result of that behavior. Ex: being carried out of the room while upset.
By looking at these principles, the therapist collects data and analyzes your child’s behavior. For example, he or she may determine that your child consistently throws or bangs their head when they have sudden demands placed on them or are asked to transition quickly away from a preferred activity.
Who provides ABA?
- Conducts ABA evaluations
- Develops intervention plans to improve or change certain behaviors
- Provides supervision to the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who is working directly and on a regular basis with a child
- Reviewing or modifying a client’s intervention plan as needed in the future
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
The BCaBa provides ABA services to a child under the supervision of a BCBA. These specialists have a Bachelor’s level degree and are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
While providing services, the BCaBA will collect data on the child’s progress during sessions, use specialized strategies and interventions for behavior management, and will analyze data.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
An RBT works directly with a child on a regular basis to provide ABA services. He or she is supervised by a BCaBA or BCBA. An RBT has a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis.
Parents can find out more about RBT certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Potential benefits
Research has shown that ABA can benefit children with a variety of diagnoses and needs.
According to AutismSpeaks.org, over 20 studies have shown that intensive and long-term therapy that incorporates ABA principles improves outcomes for children with Autism.
ABA can improve a child’s skills in areas that include:
- Communication
- Daily living skills
- Social skills
- Intellectual functioning
Services often take place in naturalistic environments, and treatment involves joint goal planning and participation from families. So a child’s improvements in these areas can carryover into their functioning at home, school, and other places.
The therapist providing ABA services also typically works as part of a multidisciplinary team. He or she can collaborate with other therapists your child sees to collaborate and provide recommendations for strategies to use during sessions.
Additional Resources
TherapyWorks is launching ABA in addition to Speech Therapy, Occupational and Physical Therapy both in person (in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio) and through teletherapy (nationwide). If you would like to learn more, or discuss your child’s specific needs, please complete our ABA services interest form.
