Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy uses a variety of techniques, like modeling and positive reinforcement, to help special needs children grow into healthy, functioning adults. Parents of autistic children can practice ABA therapy at home to teach their children skills in a comfortable environment. When they need professional assistance, licensed therapists can teach autistic children the skills they need to be successful in other areas of their lives.
Therapists and special needs parents can use ABA to teach their children a variety of behaviors, including social skills, motor skills, patience, good hygiene, politeness and healthy living. In particular, therapists use applied behavioral analysis therapy to teach children how to interact with their peers. Once they’ve mastered child social skills with ABA, children can move on to more complex tasks.
For many parents of autistic children, ABA therapy has enhanced their child’s health, happiness and quality of living. Here’s a look at how ABA therapy improves children’s social skills.
1. ABA Therapy Illustrates Positive Behaviors
Modeling good behavior is one of the core techniques of ABA therapy. Many parents do this already by being polite and avoiding the use of swear words when their children are present. However, some parents don’t think to model basic social skills, like asking for a toy or inviting a friend to play.
With ABA therapy, autistic children don’t just hear a list of rules about good behavior–they see adults model that behavior in front of them. Some children have trouble comprehending a vague list of instructions that may or may not apply to their situation. However, when they see an adult say “May I have the ball?” instead of just taking the ball, they’ll know what to do immediately.
Children often copy the behavior that they see in the adults around them. Sometimes, they don’t even know why they’re doing it–they just assume that it’s the right thing to do. As the child gets older, they start to understand the importance of social skills and how they’re relevant to daily life.
2. ABA Therapy Helps Children Set Goals
Without ABA, autistic children can have trouble figuring out what they’re supposed to achieve. An adult might tell them to “Be nice” or “Stop being rude,” but the child doesn’t know how to be polite in the first place. Even if they have basic communication skills, they might have trouble applying them in the right situations.
ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement to teach children how to behave. Instead of making vague comments, a therapist could tell the child directly “Could you help us set the table?” When the child sets the table, the therapist rewards them for the behavior. This shows the child that they’ve made the right decision and they should repeat this behavior in the future.
Likewise, if the child doesn’t exhibit the correct behaviors, the therapist could hold back the positive reinforcement. The child learns that they have to show their communication skills to get a reward. Since they’re working with specific skills instead of vague, confusing demands, they know what to do to please their therapist.
3. ABA Therapy Teaches Nonverbal Children How to Communicate
In a world based on verbal communication, nonverbal children have trouble answering questions and expressing their needs. Some people assume that these children are rude or obstinate–but in fact, they just need help to express their thoughts. ABA therapy uses a picture exchange communication system (PECS) to help nonverbal children communicate with adults and their peers.
When a therapist utilizes PECS, they give the child a sheet with several icons. Each icon represents something that the child wants to say. For example, the child could point to a picture of food if they want to eat. This allows the child to communicate without an adult forcing them to talk before they’re ready.
As the child learns new words, the therapist gives them new sheets with more icons. This allows the child to express themselves even more and communicate more complex thoughts. Eventually, they might be able to progress to verbal communication or continue with nonverbal communication as long as they’re comfortable.
4. ABA Helps Children Learn in Safe Environments
Some children do well at home but feel uncomfortable in a therapy clinic. They might struggle to learn new behaviors or refuse to listen to the therapist’s instructions. This doesn’t mean that they’re misbehaving–they’re just stressed and don’t know how to communicate their discomfort.
Recently, ABA has introduced the concept of naturalistic teaching. Instead of teaching the child at the clinic, the therapist visits the child’s home for their daily sessions. This allows the child to learn in a safe, comfortable environment, making it easier for them to pick up communication skills and develop positive relationships with their peers.
Naturalistic teaching also reduces confusion in the child’s mind. For example, if the therapist tries to teach the child to go to bed at the clinic, the child won’t understand what to do when they don’t have a bedroom. When they’re at home, the therapist can teach the child skills that they’ll use around the house without adding unnecessary confusion.
5. ABA Breaks Down the Tasks into Small Parts
Autistic children can have trouble adopting new behaviors when they feel overwhelmed. If the therapist throws out too many commands at once, the child won’t know how to react. Many therapists use Discrete Trial Testing (DTT) to break the steps down into small, manageable parts.
To start, the therapist gives the child a simple command. When the child masters this task, the therapist moves onto a slightly more advanced command. The therapist moves at the child’s pace instead of trying to rush them through the task.
DTT allows children who struggle with certain tasks to master these behaviors. A patient therapist will work with the child instead of disciplining them for not grasping the commands quickly enough.
Get in Touch with Path 2 Potential
Contact Path 2 Potential today to schedule a free consultation for your child. We’ll get back to you to schedule your appointment, then evaluate your child and figure out a plan that meets your child’s unique needs. If you’re ready to get started, fill out the enrolling forms online and wait for us to get in touch with you. Our therapists can’t wait to work with you and your child.