What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a leading approach to therapeutic intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. ABA therapy helps children with developmental and behavioral challenges thrive socially, emotionally, and academically, by helping them build confidence, increase independence in daily life, and practice impulse control and self-awareness.

ABA therapy is developed around one-on-one therapy sessions in which your child receives undivided attention from one of our Behavior Therapist, with a customized plan designed just for them. ABA is a clinically researched and proven approach to achieving sustainable behavioral change, and is viewed by professionals as an evidence-based best practice treatment approach for children on the autism spectrum. Applied Behavior Analysis is also currently recommended as an effective autism therapy by both the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.

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Children with autism may struggle in specific social settings, find challenges in activities of daily living, or have trouble independently executing tasks that require gross motor skill coordination. With the right ABA therapy approach, we will create lasting transformations in your child through hands-on, interactive, and age-appropriate activities that your child will find both fun and enjoyable.

What Does A Typical ABA Session Look Like?

There is no universal ABA therapy approach for all children with autism, and each treatment plan is just as unique and special as your child. However, there are general approaches that are typically included in ABA sessions, although the focus of these components will vary based on your child’s specific needs and areas of challenge.

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The approach used will depend on how your child best responds to different learning styles, and may include a combination of multiple approaches throughout the therapy journey. Two of the most commonly integrated approaches that are consistently used in ABA therapy include Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET). DTT is a more structured approach, where your child typically works at a desk or table in their chosen therapy setting.

Your RBT will use this time to teach defined concepts and skills, and each learning opportunity has a set beginning and end, rather than the open-ended style of NET. DTT is used to meet specific learning objectives, and helps your child work toward their goals quickly and efficiently.

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NET is consistently a part of your child’s ABA therapy, and it allows your child to make real-life connections between the strategies learned and their application in everyday environments, including home, school, family outings, and social events.

The Use Of Positive Reinforcement