What is ABA Therapy?

 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy typically used with children on the Autism Spectrum. ABA therapy uses scientifically researched interventions and utilizes them in the children’s everyday environment.  Its main emphasis is based on using reinforcement (things kids like) to help children learn the tasks at hand. It is also used to help caregivers change the environment a child is in to make it more conducive to learning, and less likely inappropriate behaviors will occur.  

• Language Acquisition: ABA can help children with ASD learn verbal and non-verbal behavior. Methods of communication include spoken words, sign language, and picture exchange system. We try to find which form of communication is right for each individual child. 
• Social Skills: Deficits in social skills can be addressed using ABA. It can be used to help children with ASD make friends, have better conversational skills, stay on topic, make socially appropriate remarks and differentiate between strangers, family, friends, and acquaintances. 
• Behavior in the School Setting: ABA is useful in helping teachers and staff devise interventions and modify children’s environment to address a specific child’s needs. It can be used to increase class participation and on-task behavior. It can also be used to help decrease inappropriate behaviors (yelling out, getting out of seat, displaying aggression, etc.) 
• Behavior in the Home Setting: Family life can be improved with the use of ABA. ABA is used to help increase compliance with reasonable demands. It be can used to help foster conflict resolution with siblings and other family members. It can also be used to help decrease problem behaviors in the home (biting, kicking, yelling, property destruction, etc.) 
• Independent Living Skills: Learning day to day activities can be achieved through the use of ABA. We can help children with ASD learn to get dressed, brush their teeth and hair, make their meals, and learn to do basic chores.