What is ABA therapy?
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy is widely recognized and uses a flexible, empathy-based approach consisting of psychological, educational and developmental techniques. Studies have shown that ABA techniques are a proven treatment and the method of choice for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at any level.
By specifically tailoring services to the needs of the child, nearly all children with ASD benefit from intensive ABA programs. Maxim Behavioral’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) use evidence-based practices to assist with adaptive skills, independence and socialization.
How ABA therapy can help
Socialization
ABA can help children with ASD learn and identify how to make connections with others and ultimately foster relationships with friends, peers and family members. ABA is designed to improve a variety of skills related to social play, social language and overall social intuition.
Independence
ABA therapy also encourages independence by identifying and addressing self-care duties such as bathing, dressing, brushing teeth and feeding oneself as an integral part of development. By developing these essential tasks, children with ASD gradually learn to create sustainable routines. Activities and routines can include playing with toys, getting dressed, using utensils during meals or following simple directions. All of these activities are essential for a child’s overall development.
Cognitive learning
ABA can be used to teach simple and complex skills. For example, ABA can be used to reward children for brushing their teeth correctly or for sharing their toys with others. For some, it may assist with everyday wellness tasks such as sleeping through the night or helping them learn to make friends. ABA services assist kids with ASD with establishing these positive habits and modifying behaviors.
Improving your child’s quality of life
With a completely individualized behavioral curriculum, your child will be set up to succeed and grow as a person and reach their full potential. One of the benefits of ABA is the guided support and strategies it gives to parents who need a framework for teaching and measuring progress at home. For example, it can assist parents in language learning by breaking the process down into syllables rather than full words.
ABA is long regarded as the most researched and effective therapy for children with ASD. When used as an early intervention technique, ABA programs can include more opportunities to help children with ASD better engage in the world. You’ll be able to see the progress and improvements in your child and ultimately watch them reach even the most difficult milestones.
How Maxim Behavioral can help
Early diagnosis and treatment of ASD can make a big difference in your child’s life. Behavioral therapy is an important treatment for many children with ASD. The sooner your child can start therapy, the more likely they are to make progress in regard to their skills later on in life. If you are concerned that your child might have ASD, it is important to talk to your pediatrician. They will be able to assess your child’s development and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Maxim provides ABA therapy services to children with ASD and other developmental disabilities through home-based, school-based or center-based services. We provide ABA care in several states across the country, so visit our locations page to find your local office.
