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If your child has been diagnosed with autism, the first question you might wonder is, what now? Fortunately, experts have recommended starting therapy for your child as soon as possible to treat your child’s autism and equip them for the world.
ABA therapy is considered one of the best forms of treatment for children on the autism spectrum. Getting an early start in therapy will improve the effectiveness of the program. In this article, we take a closer look at what ABA therapy is and when it is ideal for your child.
Table of Contents
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is a scientifically validated approach to learning behavior. It focuses on learning theory to help people decrease or increase particular behaviors. The therapy program looks at different kinds of behavior, studies the purpose behind them, and then uses proven techniques to change the behavior or teach a new one.
ABA therapy is often considered one of the best forms of autism therapy. It is the only therapy endorsed by the US Surgeon General as an effective treatment for autism. It is endorsed by different federal and state agencies and physicians in the autism community.
Benefits of ABA Therapy for Autistic Children
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There are different benefits of using ABA therapy as a treatment for your autistic child. It has been scientifically validated and proven to provide the best outcomes for children diagnosed with autism.
The three main benefits are that ABA therapy helps autistic children develop new skills, refine previously learned skills, and help them manage their emotions.
Learning New Skills
One of the benefits of ABA therapy is that it is an effective way for autistic children to learn new skills. It equips children for adulthood by teaching them skills step-by-step. The goal is to help the child complete the new skill independently.
For instance, the goal might be for the child to learn how to tie their shoes. So, it would start with learning how to find their shoes, wearing them, and tying the shoe laces. The steps would be repeated until the child masters it.
Change Previously Learned Skills
Another benefit of ABA therapy is that it helps autistic children change their existing skills by relearning or improving them. For instance, if the child only knows how to get attention by pulling their parent or guardian to the item that they want, the ABA therapy can change this skill to improve their communication.
The child would learn how to use other forms of communication like vocal sounds, pictures, or an augmentative alternative communication device. There are different ways that ABA therapy can help children with autism learn new skills, as this is only an example.
Improve Communication Skills
One of the main signs of autism in a child is behavior that may not be safe for them in public areas, including intense meltdowns, certain kinds of stimming, and other behaviors. However, ABA therapy is focused on addressing these behaviors and the reasons for them.
For instance, if a child has a meltdown at a particular time, the therapist would identify the root of the behavior and give the child the tools to communicate their needs.
When Is It Right for Your Child To Start ABA Therapy?
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ABA therapy is right for your child immediately after they have been diagnosed with autism. Once your child is diagnosed with autism, it’s better to intervene between ages 2 and 6. If you start at age 2, ABA therapy can help the child develop better communication skills, follow commands, and learn new skills. This would prepare the child for preschool.
When it comes to ABA therapy, early intervention is better. Young children experience different critical periods in their development, and so they are particularly sensitive. It’s important to teach healthy coping mechanisms during formative years so that they are useful in the long term.
ABA therapy involves different phases, starting with consultation and assessment. It’s important to work with a therapist trained in this form of therapy. The therapist would then develop a plan for your child’s therapy, tailored towards the unique needs of your child. Some of the goals of ABA therapy include equipping the child with healthier coping mechanisms for autistic meltdowns, improving communication, and teaching learning skills.
ABA also depends on parents and caregivers, as they need to reinforce important behavior outside of therapy. The parent or guardian can learn strategies from the therapist to continue the therapy even when at home. The earlier a child learns important behaviors and skills, the more productive they will be, especially when they enter preschool.
Conclusion
ABA therapy is a reliable form of treatment for autistic children. It’s never too early to start ABA therapy, even at the age of two. It would give your child the tools they need to express themselves and carry out different tasks.
ABA therapy would also help autistic children communicate better and ask for what they want, show more interest in people around them, focus more on school, and stop self-harming behavior.
