ABA Therapy
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on the principles and techniques of learning theory to help increase or decrease certain behaviors. ABA therapy is a scientifically validated approach to understanding learning and behavior by looking at the function of the behavior and the environment in which it occurs.
Anything a person does is considered a behavior: talking, eating, coloring, tying shoes, etc. ABA autism therapy looks at a particular behavior, studies the purpose behind it to understand under what circumstances it occurs, and then uses various techniques to change it, teach a new behavior, or find a more functional way of doing it.
How ABA Therapy Benefits Children with Autism
ABA Therapy principles have been applied since the early 1960s to both children and adults with various developmental diagnoses. Since then, there has been an evolution and improvement in the therapy techniques used in ABA; however, the core teaching of ABA has stayed the same. ABA is scientifically validated and data-driven and consistently shows the best outcomes for children with autism. Today, ABA is the only therapy endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General as an effective treatment for autism. It is also endorsed by several other state and federal agencies, physicians, and advocates in the autism community.
ABA therapy helps to (1) develop new skills, (2) shape and refine previously learned skills, and (3) decrease socially significant problem behaviors.
ABA autism therapy is incredibly effective in helping children with autism gain new skills. For example, if a child’s parent and clinical team determine that a goal for a child is to learn to tie their shoes, this would take place over a period of time and involve several steps. The child may start by going and finding their own shoes. Once that skill is mastered, the child might find them and place them on their feet independently. Following that, the next step might be to cross the strings; this would continue until the child independently completes all steps of the process. These steps will be different for every child, but the concept is the same: start at the beginning and give the child the building blocks to complete the new skill independently.
Shaping and refining previously learned skills can take many forms. For example, initially, a child may engage someone by pulling a caregiver to an item they want; this may be the only way the child knows to get someone’s attention. With ABA, these communication skills can be shaped into a different and more effective communication method. For example, the BCBA might teach the child to point to an item instead. They might build towards using a picture communication system, vocal sounds, or an Augmentative Alternative Communication Device. The possibilities are endless! While this is just one example of shaping previously learned skills, in ABA therapy, skills can be shaped using various milestones, including play and independent living skills, just to name a few.
Some of the first signs a child may have autism may come in the form of socially significant problem behavior, such as intense tantrums, inappropriate behavior, flopping, etc.
For example, if a child typically has tantrums during lunch, ABA therapy could help in many ways. First, the clinicians would evaluate the environment in which that behavior occurs. Does this only happen when the child is eating at home? Or when the child is eating at a restaurant? Perhaps it happens while eating in a lunchroom setting, but not at home or a restaurant. What can the environment in which that screaming takes place tell us about the behavior?
Once the root cause of the behavior, whether environmental or something else, is identified, the next step is giving the child the tools to appropriately communicate their wants, needs, or dislikes about the environment. Perhaps they are upset because they see other peers eating something they want. Maybe the lunchroom feels too loud or overwhelming. Whatever it is, we help give that child the tools to tolerate that environment and appropriately express themselves.
ABA Therapy at Lighthouse Autism Center
At Lighthouse Autism Center, we offer the highest-quality therapy in a beautiful, play-based environment. With an innovative speech therapy model called Lighthouse Fusion, children make greater progress faster while having fun.
With our approach to ABA therapy for kids, children are immersed in imaginary spaces where they can naturally explore their interests, engage in sensory experiences, and practice language. Each child’s progress can be seen in smiles and laughter because we know children learn best when having fun.
We believe each child has unique and unlimited potential. At Lighthouse, we are committed to bringing compassionate care and clinical excellence together to unlock that potential and help each child achieve the possible.
