Frequently asked questions for patients and families

ABA therapy helps individuals, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learn and improve specific behaviors such as communication, social skills, coping mechanisms and daily living activities. It uses positive reinforcement and structured techniques to encourage meaningful, lasting behavior change.

Applied behavior analysis

ABA therapy is a behavioral intervention technique used to teach individuals with ASD and other developmental disorders new skills based on reinforcement and teaching desired behaviors while minimizing unwanted ones.

ABA therapy is a highly personalized approach to positive behavior and life skill development. By breaking tasks into manageable steps, ABA supports consistent progress tailored to each child’s unique needs. Maxim’s 1:1 ABA therapy services focus on specific needs, strengths and desired outcomes.

The seven rules or dimensions of ABA were outlined by Baer, Wolf and Risley, the authors of “Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis,” in 1968, and guide how effective ABA interventions are designed and evaluated. They include:

1. Applied – Focuses on those behaviors that are socially significant to the individual’s daily life.
2. Behavioral – Targets observable and measurable behaviors that can result in validation.
3. Analytic – Demonstrates the intervention is responsible for behavior change through data analysis.
4. Technological – Procedures are described clearly and in detail so they can be replicated.
5. Conceptually systematic – Interventions are grounded in research and the principles of behavior analysis.
6. Effective – Produces significant, practical improvements in behavior to the end that others can replicate it.
7. Generality – Behavior changes last over time, appear in different settings and spread to other behaviors.

The focus of ABA goes beyond the behaviors themselves and focuses on the function of those behaviors, or the reasons why the behaviors occur. Understanding why someone does something helps guide effective interventions. The four functions are:

1. Attention – The behavior is done to gain social attention from others (positive or negative).
2. Escape – The behavior is used to avoid a task, demand, stimulus or situation.
3. Access to tangibles – The behavior is aimed at obtaining a specific item or activity such as toys or food.
4. Sensory (automatic) – The behavior provides internally satisfying sensory stimulation.

While the outcomes, therapist-to-child interactions, long-term results and benefits of ABA therapy are predominantly positive, some critics argue the approach can become too rigid or repetitive, limiting creativity and individuality when not personalized properly. The result of an ill-formed approach can be a child feeling overwhelmed or anxious. At Maxim, we focus on highly personalized, compassionate support to maintain a positive approach and results that empower children and families.

A child may qualify for ABA therapy if they exhibit behaviors or developmental delays commonly associated with autism or related conditions that impact communication, social skills or daily functioning. Qualifying a child for ABA therapy typically involves a formal diagnosis from a licensed professional and an assessment showing the child would benefit from behavior-based intervention strategies.

ABA therapy can be seen in a variety of ways throughout a child’s day. Examples include:

• Using positive reinforcement to teach a child to effectively gain the attention of others when spoken to.
• Teaching a child to brush their teeth by breaking the process down into manageable step-by-step instructions.
• Using picture cards to help a child request items.
• Caregivers modeling appropriate responses and social interactions to demonstrate desired outcomes.
• Leaning on everyday situations to teach communication.

Yes, ABA can be very effective in helping to reduce aggressive behaviors in individuals with ASD or developmental disorders by focusing on understanding the function of the behavior, why it’s happening and then teaching alternative, more appropriate behaviors to meet the same need.

While the success rate of ABA therapy varies depending on a variety of factors, research generally supports its effectiveness, especially for children with ASD. A 2009 review by the National Autism Center concluded that ABA-based interventions are among the most effective evidence-based practices for autism.

Factors that influence success include:

• The child’s age at intervention — earlier is usually better
• Intensity and duration of therapy — more hours, upwards of 20 – 40 per week over longer periods of time tend to produce better results
• Family involvement
• How individualized and tailored the program is 

It’s important to note that ABA does not cure autism, but it can significantly improve functional independence, learning skills and reduce harmful behaviors.

The short answer is as early as possible. Early intervention during the critical developmental years (18 months to three years old) can significantly improve the chances of positive outcomes, particularly for children with ASD.

Older children and adults with ASD can still benefit from ABA therapy, though it can take longer to achieve notable progress.