Regardless of whether a child has a diagnosis or is at the start of the process, Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is ideal for helping them begin to overcome the obstacles they face in daily life. There are many reasons the ABA therapy gives positive results for children on the Autism Spectrum. We’ll look deeper into the various reasons that make ABA therapy so beneficial to explain why it’s beneficial.
Not Concerned With Causes
ABA therapists aren’t concerned with why children have Autism but rather focus on dealing with the symptoms. By putting aside the whys of why a person is how they are, it’s easier to concentrate on helping them deal with their difficulties. Because ABA therapists aren’t concerned about the root cause of Autism, they give one hundred percent of their time and effort to helping their clients.
Flexibility
ABA can be undertaken by professionals in various settings, such as Action Behavior Centers, schools, or at home. The flexibility this provides allows children to undertake therapy in settings that make them feel comfortable and thus more receptive. It also makes it easier to work into a child’s daily routine, allowing maximum time with therapists. Maximizing the time in therapy makes it more effective.
Works With The Individual
The aim of ABA therapy is to find out the needs of each child and formulate a treatment plan tailored to their needs. Every person with Autism is different, which means what works for one, is suitable for another. Working intensively with therapists in a one-on-one situation gives the child and therapist the chance to work together with this in mind. And because the sessions are tailored to the child, they’ll engage fully and positively, whereas a generic therapy won’t have much impact.
Encourages Independence
Young children with Autism often struggle with social interactions and other areas such as self-care. As well as building on a child’s ability to function at a social level, it can also tackle things like learning to dress themselves, toileting, and playing. Where gross and fine motor skills are compromised, ABA can incorporate and complement additional therapy to address this. In turn, addressing physical issues allows a child more freedom to do things for themselves.
Making Friends
Communication skills are also addressed during ABA sessions, even for children with good verbal skills. The reason for this is that people with Autism often don’t know how to use language in the way the rest of the population does. This results in frequent miscommunication and frustrations and, for young children, sets them apart from NT peers making friendships difficult. Working to understand communication better helps with this, and therapy often includes small group activities which reinforce positive social interactions.
Engaging children with Autism with ABA therapy has many benefits, even if the child isn’t officially diagnosed yet. By working with therapists consistently throughout the week in various settings, children can improve communication skills, become more independent, and feel more comfortable in the NT world.
