How can ABA therapy help my kid with autism?
When parents receive an autism diagnosis for their child, they are often overwhelmed with information and options. However, one term that frequently rises to the forefront is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Many questions and concerns naturally emerge: What is ABA therapy? How can ABA therapy help my kid with autism?
To clear the air and provide you with detailed insights, this blog by ABA Centers of New Jersey uncovers ten essential ABA facts, its benefits, and how it’s supporting families in Woodstown, Trenton, Paterson, and more cities in New Jersey.
Top 10 ABA Facts
1. ABA Therapy Can Modify Behavior
Applied Behavior Analysis is a systematic approach to understanding behavior and how the surrounding environment influences it. The therapy applies basic principles of learning to improve socially significant behaviors, producing meaningful changes for individuals.
2. ABA Therapy is not New
The roots of ABA are related to psychologist B.F. Skinner, who championed behaviorism in the 1950s. Skinner’s work laid the foundation for behavior analysis through the study of operant conditioning — the idea that behavior with positive outcomes is more likely to be repeated. ABA as a therapeutic practice was first used to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the 1960s by Dr. Ole Ivar Lovaas and has since evolved to be the most widely accepted practice.
3. ABA Works by Milestones
ABA therapy works by breaking down complex skills and behaviors into achievable milestones. These milestones serve as incremental steps towards broader developmental goals, allowing individuals to progress systematically and build upon their successes. By identifying specific target behaviors and defining measurable objectives, ABA therapists create structured intervention plans tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each client.
For example, in the case of a child with ASD who struggles with verbal communication, the ABA therapist may establish milestones such as making eye contact, imitating sounds, and eventually using single words to request items or express needs.
4. Positive Behaviors are Rewarded in ABA Therapy
One of the fundamental principles of ABA is the use of positive reinforcement. This technique consists of offering a reward after a desired behavior, which in turn increases the likelihood that individuals will repeat the positive behavior. In ABA therapy, positive reinforcement can take many forms — praise, treats, or access to a preferred activity, for example.
5. ABA Improves and Reduces Harmful Skills
Applied behavior analysis is associated with various positive outcomes for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through the systematic application of behavioral principles, ABA aims to improve socially significant behaviors and enhance the overall quality of life. Some outcomes include improved communication skills, increased social interaction, better self-care and daily living skills, reduced challenging behaviors, and enhanced academic performance, according to the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
6. ABA Includes Several Professionals
The ABA therapies involve a variety of health professionals, primarily Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), who develop the intervention plans, and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), who implement the therapies directly with the children and their families.
7. Most Insurances Cover ABA Therapy
The Autism Insurance Law of New Jersey, enacted in 2009 and effective in 2010, regulates the coverage of ABA therapy. It applies to individual plans and fully insured large and small group plans. An additional bulletin released in 2010 addressed the dollar limits on these service coverages. As per the law, all fully insured plans in New Jersey must cover 10 “essential health benefits,” including significant coverage for autism-related treatments like ABA therapy. Since April 1, 2020, Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare has also started covering ABA services for children with autism.
To learn more about insurance coverage in New Jersey, read our guide here.
8. ABA Therapy Can Work in Diverse Settings
ABA Therapy is flexible, and therapists can conduct it in various settings, including clinics, schools, homes, and community settings. This versatility allows for continuity of care and the integration of skills across different environments.
9. Duration of ABA Therapies in ABA Centers of New Jersey Adapts on Client’s Needs
The duration of ABA therapy may vary depending on the client’s needs and goals. While some may benefit from short-term, intensive interventions, others may require ongoing support over a prolonged period to achieve sustained progress.
10. Participation of Parents in ABA Sessions Is Essential
Parental engagement is essential to the success of ABA therapy. Parents are encouraged to participate actively in therapy sessions, learn techniques to reinforce desired behaviors, and generalize skills to everyday situations, promoting independence and self-management in their children.
ABA Centers of New Jersey and Autism Support
We hope that with these facts about autism, you will understand a bit more why it is one of the most recommended therapies by experts for addressing the most common and challenging traits in autism. Remember that therapy aims not to change or “cure” the individual but rather to enhance their abilities and improve harmful behaviors.
At ABA Centers of New Jersey, we have assisted hundreds of families whose initial impressions of therapy may have been that it could be aggressive towards children with heightened sensitivity. However, it’s important to note that ABA is not an invasive therapy. Additionally, our empathetic therapists are highly cautious and respectful of the needs and sensitivities of our clients.
Call us at (855) 640-7888 or schedule a free appointment with our specialists to assess the available service and therapy options for the growth of your loved one.