What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors in people who struggle with communication, social interaction, focusing, and studies. ABA therapy is a very popular treatment method for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What to Expect from ABA Therapy
People considering ABA therapy typically do not know what to expect from the treatment method, as it differs from many other methods. However, because ABA therapy is tailored to meet the needs of each person enrolled, it can be one of the most effective methods of helping those with autism spectrum disorder to develop positive behaviors and skills while decreasing the negative ones.
Before getting into how ABA therapy can help promote healthy independent living for individuals with autism, let’s cover some more info about this therapy’s goals, along with a rundown of the specific techniques that are most commonly used.
Goals
The primary goals of ABA therapy when helping those with autism spectrum disorder are:
- Increasing social skills
- Reducing negative behaviors, such as self-harming
- Improving communication skills
- Working on self-maintenance behaviors, such as self-regulating or self-assessing
- Improving focus as well as learning or academic skills
Techniques
One of the biggest differences between ABA therapy and other therapies is that it can utilize a number of different techniques to help reinforce positive behaviors. The therapist will select the techniques that best fit the individual to create the life skills they are trying to develop.
Some common techniques used in ABA therapy are:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- Modeling
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Reinforcement Systems
Benefits of ABA Therapy
Applied behavior analysis therapy is not a new practice and is taught across the United States as a core skill in psychology and applied health programs. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), it is “an integral part of the discipline of psychology,” and as such, there is no shortage of benefits of ABA therapy. Here we will detail just a few of the most critical benefits of ABA therapy for individuals with ASD.
Improves Social and Communication Skills
One of the largest primary goals of ABA therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder is improving social and communication skills. This is because, typically, these are the most challenging skills for individuals with ASD to learn. Where neurotypical people can develop these skills more easily by simply noticing others around them performing certain behaviors, those with ASD typically have a much harder time engaging in social interactions and communicating their wants and needs.
ABA therapy helps to build these crucial skills by reinforcing good behaviors and dissuading negative ones. This allows those with ASD to build the skills they need to interact with their peers and enjoy their lives more.
Helps Develop Positive Behavioral Skills
It is often challenging for individuals with autism spectrum disorder to learn new skills in the same way that neurotypical individuals can. Because of this, using an alternative approach, such as a reinforcement-based strategy like ABA therapy, can be much more effective.
In fact, there have been many studies over the years that illustrate how those with ASD can learn skills more effectively when enrolled in ABA therapy. For example, this study found that children with ASD could improve their IQ and behavior and decrease the severity of their ASD diagnosis when taught skills using the Early Start Denver Model.
Can Be Used for Many Different Types of Skills
Because ABA therapy focuses on reinforcing desired behaviors, it can be used for any skill or behavior you want to encourage. For example, if you want to build good habits and behaviors surrounding learning and doing schoolwork, you can use a reinforcement system or modeling practice to help encourage the behavior.
Enhances Self-Care and Self-Management Skills
Self care is a valuable tool for people of all ages. But these skills can be very challenging to learn, and those with ASD may have more trouble creating the habits and appropriate behaviors needed to perform these tasks. With positive reinforcement through ABA therapy, however, individuals with ASD can build the skills and habits they need to effectively take care of themselves on a daily basis.
Improves Life Satisfaction
Building valuable skills and behaviors can help individuals with autism spectrum disorder live happier and more fulfilling lives. However, making friends and interacting with others can be incredibly challenging without learning the necessary communication and social skills. Luckily, ABA therapy can help develop these skills so that people with ASD can communicate and interact with their peers more effectively.
Tailored to the Individual
The final tremendous benefit of ABA therapy is that it is tailored to each individual. This means that the therapist will select the best techniques and methods for each individual to be the most successful as they learn the skills and behaviors they need to live independently. Individual tailoring is crucial for individuals with ASD because each individual will react differently to interactions.
How Can ABA Therapy Promote Healthy Independent Living?
To see how ABA therapy can help promote skills needed for healthy independent living, we need to establish what these skills are.
Some of the skills needed for healthy independent living include:
- social skills,
- self-care skills,
- communication skills,
- decision-making skills,
- self-assessment and self-management skills,
- basic academic skills,
- team and community functioning skills, and
- work-related skills.
So, how can ABA therapy help promote healthy independent living for an individual with autism spectrum disorder? Well, if you look closely at the healthy independent living skills listed above, you may notice that almost all of these skills are improved by ABA therapy.
Conclusion
Living independently is a goal most people have for themselves, but this goal can be particularly challenging for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, this goal does not have to be out of reach with the right skills and behaviors. Applied behavior analysis therapy is incredibly effective in helping individuals with ASD build the skills they need to achieve this goal.
So, if you or someone you love is looking to create the skills they need to reach this goal, you may want to consider enrollment in ABA therapy. Check out our website or get a free consultation with our specialists to see if ABA therapy could help.