Do you have a child with autism and want to know how you can support their growth and well-being?
There are many different therapies and strategies you can try, but if you haven’t explored Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, consider moving it to the top of your list.
ABA therapy is an evidence-based treatment for autism and is known to develop long-lasting results for many kids on the spectrum.
If you’re still on the fence, or if you’re just learning about this therapy, here are five reasons to try it out.
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You can get in-home ABA therapy
As a parent, one of your main concerns is probably how you’ll get the time and energy to take your child to therapy once a week, or however often you choose.
When you work full-time and your child goes to school, you only have so many hours left in the day for other things.
Therapy usually gets pushed to the weekend, but that means giving up an entire day of rest or housework.
The good news is you can get in-home ABA therapy in most locations across the U.S., like New Jersey, for example.
Having a therapist come to your home will make your life easier, and it will benefit your child.
You won’t have to go anywhere, which can otherwise be a big hassle.
It’s also easier on your child when they can see a therapist in a comfortable, familiar environment rather than having to go somewhere new.
Visiting new places can be a major trigger for kids with autism, which can create a barrier to effective therapy.
ABA therapy is effective
Many studies have proven Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy to be effective in helping children perform at the same level as their peers in school with minimal support.
Advocates say that kids who receive ABA therapy in their early years make more sustained gains in social behaviors, language, adaptive behaviors, cognition, and academics compared to those in the control groups.
Many parents have also found ABA therapy to effectively reduce disruptive behaviors like meltdowns, self-injury, and aggression.
Parents also say it helps kids increase their ability to socialize, communicate, and play.
You’ve tried everything else
Have you tried as many therapies and strategies as possible without significant results?
If you’ve already gone down the list of options, it’s time to try ABA therapy. Sometimes people need different solutions than what works for others.
You might know people who have had success with other therapies that didn’t work for your child. That’s normal.
The key is to keep trying all your options until you figure out what works.
No matter how many people tell you a certain treatment worked for their child, it may not work for yours.
Don’t force your child to go through a certain type of therapy if you’ve given it a chance and it’s not working.
Remember that everyone has different needs and what works for one person may not work for another.
ABA therapy is individualized
Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Each child will have a unique program specifically designed to meet their needs.
After an assessment, your child’s clinician will sit down with you to create an outline of the skills you wish to improve, and that’s what therapy sessions will focus on developing.
Each therapy session will be monitored and data will be collected to identify what is and isn’t working.
From there, your child’s therapy sessions will be reworked to get optimal results.
ABA therapy isn’t just for children
One of the best reasons to try ABA therapy is that it isn’t only for young kids.
This therapy is suitable for people of all ages, including adolescents, which means your child can continue their sessions as long as needed.
If you have young teenagers and want a treatment that isn’t just for small children, try ABA therapy.
Since treatment is individualized, your teen’s therapy sessions will be age-appropriate and based on their actual needs.
Is ABA therapy right for your child? Try it and find out!
Should you try ABA therapy? Why not?
It’s been proven effective and it’s easy to get right in your own home.
The only way to know if therapy will work for your child is to give it a chance.
