Category: Blog

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied behavior analysis is a form of treatment for the developmental disorder ASD, also known as autism spectrum disorder or autism. ABA is a form of therapy that helps to create new behavioral patterns by rewarding the desired behaviors through reinforcement thereby helping the patient to create a new life and learning skills.

 

ABA therapy is particularly good for people with autism as it can help them to bridge the gap in their behaviors. ABA is a great way to help teach children with autism language and communication skills, greater confidence in social situations, and many more skills that can make their lives a bit more comfortable.

 

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

ABA is very goal-oriented. The technician, or therapist, will identify a small task or achievement for the lesson that day and help guide the person towards that goal employing rewards.

 

Every time the child successfully performs the task or the behavior, they are given a reward as an indication that they did it. The reward is generally something small in nature, but big in the mind. Things like verbal praise and cheering, toys, books, playtime on playgrounds, and other fun activities are all methods of rewarding the child.

 

Additionally, therapists look to discover the triggers that prevent the child from completing the task properly. Triggers vary from child to child and can change over time, but they can be debilitating for a child with autism who has not learned how to self-regulate their emotions around their triggers.

 

The most common triggers for a child with autism are loud, unexpected noises, tiredness, hunger, clutter, distracting objects, or something attention-grabbing that distracts them from the goal at hand.

 

Once the therapist has identified the triggers that can derail a child, the therapist can begin to craft some possible solutions for that trigger to help the child better focus on the goal and to self-regulate their distractions and emotions. Removing the trigger or helping to soothe the child are both possible solutions, but many therapists will create custom solutions for the child they are treating.

 

Lastly, ABA therapy focuses on communication between the families of the child, the child themself, and the therapist. Each session with the child gives the therapist a huge amount of qualitative data and information about the behaviors of the child and how the child responds to different stimuli.

 

Proper and effective communication between the therapist and the families of the child can help to increase the success of the ABA therapy at home and beyond when the family knows what to look for, reinforce, and reward.

Benefits of ABA therapy

Some of the benefits of ABA therapy include:

1. Improved social skills: ABA therapy can help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to improve their social skills and develop meaningful relationships with others.
2. Enhanced communication skills: ABA therapy can help individuals to improve their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. This can help them to express their needs and desires more effectively and to better understand the communication of others.
3. Reduced problem behavior: ABA therapy can be used to reduce problem behavior, such as aggression, self-injury, and tantrums, by teaching alternative behaviors and providing positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.
4. Increased independence: ABA therapy can help individuals to develop skills that increase their independence, such as self-care, hygiene, and household chores.
5. Improved academic performance: ABA therapy can be used to improve academic performance by teaching academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math, in a structured and supportive environment.
6. Generalization of skills: ABA therapy can help individuals to generalize their newly learned skills to new situations and environments, allowing them to function more independently in their daily lives.
7. Family involvement and support: ABA therapy can involve the family in the treatment process, providing them with strategies and techniques to support their loved one with autism or other developmental disabilities.

Pros of ABA Therapy

There are many pros of ABA therapy that you should know before getting started. Here, we will get into some of the benefits and great aspects of ABA therapy that can help your child grow and learn more life skills.

 

Research Proven Effectiveness

There has been tons of research conducted that proves ABA therapy’s legitimate success and effectiveness, particularly with children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, ABA therapy is one of the longest developmental or behavioral treatments.

 

ABA therapy has certainly stood the test of time and is backed by psychological therapies that are taught in psychology 101 classes around the world. ABA therapy is a form of classical conditioning in which the child is conditioned towards certain behaviors and away from others which can help them become more independent beings.

 

Specialized for Your Child

ABA therapy is specialized for each patient entering therapy. A plan is made by the therapist after meeting and observing the child. The plan may be subject to change as the child grows and develops further, but the plan is their unique strategy for that child.

 

Not many treatments can say the same.

 

Professionally Led

ABA therapy is led by trained professionals with an extensive background in therapy and psychological behavior. This is not some led by a group leader or a psychology student looking to get some clinical hours for their graduate degree.

 

 

Treatment Guidelines

With ABA therapy, there are no confusing suggestion guidelines, or do-it-yourself style strategies. You are guided by your child’s therapist to help. Plus, you can establish boundaries that you want your child and therapist to have when it comes to reinforcing behaviors.

 

Improves Skills

Some of the skills proved to be enhanced through ABA therapy are learning skills, social skills, cognitive function, self-regulation and self-help skills, communication, and improved independence.

 

Cons of ABA Therapy

While ABA therapy is a fantastic option for many people, it still has some issues that can be a problem for some people. Some of the cons of ABA therapy are as follows.

 

Poor Results

Some poorly trained ABA therapists can give subpar results. This can make certain reinforced behaviors robotic or odd. This is not permanent and can be fixed by visiting a well-trained and certified ABA therapist who understands human behavior, particularly autistic children’s behavior.

 

Hard to Find

Good ABA therapists can be very hard to find, and you must find an ABA therapist who is trained properly and understand the art of ABA therapy. Without a good ABA therapist, your child reinforced behaviors can end up robotic, as stated earlier.

 

Long Term

It can take a while for the results to show. ABA therapy is certainly not an overnight fix to behavioral problems and you should not expect to see results after one session.

 

Have patience and trust in your child’s ability to learn, in their ability to be flexible and create new neural pathways. Creating new neural pathways takes time for everyone, so do not get impatient.

 

Costly

ABA therapy can be expensive and is occasionally outside of insurance, so it can be a chunk of money coming out of your pocket.

 

 

Academic

ABA therapy is generally not offered in many schools. Additionally, ABA is not an academic approach to behavior. It is focused on the response and actions of the child, not necessarily the cognitive pre-thought to the behavior.

 

Critics

ABA has critics that say it suppresses the self-expression of the child because it is altering the behaviors the child naturally wants to express. Critics also say that this suppression could be emotionally harmful later in life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ABA therapy is a highly effective form of therapy that has helped countless individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to improve their social, communication, and behavioral skills, and increase their independence and quality of life. However, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks of ABA therapy as well. The cost of therapy can be prohibitive for many families, and the intensive nature of the therapy can be time-consuming and exhausting for both the child and the family.

Overall, while ABA therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be a highly effective tool for improving the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities when used appropriately and with care.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Are you considering ABA therapy as a career path? If so, you’re in the right place.

Keep reading this article to familiarize yourself with the requirements for becoming a professional ABA therapist, what your job duties may entail, how much you can expect to get paid, and more.

What is ABA therapy?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on using rewards and reinforcements to positively change a person’s actions.

It is a particularly effective approach for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. In fact, many ABA therapists mostly work with autistic patients.

What does an ABA therapist do?

In short, ABA therapists evaluate how a patient acts in different situations and environments through identifying behavioral tendencies and patterns.

More specifically, they utilize their research and analysis skills to understand how certain situational and environmental factors may influence an autistic kid. After that, they develop individualized therapeutic strategies for managing and regulating these behavioral patterns.

For example, a child with ASD might resort to screaming, shouting, or throwing objects when they’re exposed to bright lights. Upon discovering this, an ABA therapist would come up with a plan that would replace the negative habits with desirable traits and teach the child how to use their words to express discomfort.

Because of the complexities that pertain to treating ASD symptoms, a person must obtain several educational credentials and licenses before they can practice ABA therapy.

How does one become an ABA therapist?

If you are thinking of becoming an ABA therapist, here are the steps that you have to follow:

1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree

Firstly, you need to get a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring ABA therapists may want to consider majoring in psychology, education, or a similar field.

2. Earn a Graduate Degree

Secondly, after you complete your bachelor’s program, it would be advantageous for you to obtain a master’s degree. You could directly study applied behavior analysis or specialize in a related area (such as psychology).

3. Licensing and Certification

Thirdly, if you plan on starting your own ABA therapy practice, you have to become licensed and certified.

For that matter, most states require any ABA provider (and not just those who want to open their own practice) to undergo the licensing and certification processes. However, you should check your local requirements since the rules vary from one state to another.

Above all, your level of education and the certifications/licenses that you hold will directly impact your pay as an ABA practitioner.

ABA Therapist Salary

ABA therapists that have a bachelor’s degree typically make $47,000 per year. Meanwhile, their peers who hold a master’s earn an average annual salary of $55,000.

To clarify, that’s a difference of $8,000 per year or over $650 per month. This makes the cost of a master’s degree worthwhile for many students, even more so when they have the convenience of choosing between online and in-person classes.

ABA Programs Online

The following are four of the best online ABA therapy educational programs:

Online Psychology Master’s with ABA Focus at Walden University

The main advantage to enrolling in the ABA classes at Walden University is that the professors specialize in teaching students remotely, including those who are studying psychology and nursing.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Graduate Certificate at Brandman University

Located in Irvine, CA, Brandman University (now known as UMass Global) is one of the top 50 colleges in the United States.

They have an online ABA graduate certificate program that enables you to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). 

Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at PennState World Campus

PennState also offers online applied behavior analysis graduate certificate courses. You need 21 credits to get a degree, and it costs $924 for each credit.

Once you graduate, you can take the board certification test in any state.

Online MA in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) at ASU Online

Although this master’s degree program at Arizona State University revolves around special education and teaching, its principles are built around ABA methods.

Therefore, once you get this degree, all you have to do is fulfill a few more requirements in order to be eligible for the board certification exam.

In-Person ABA Programs

Meanwhile, here are some noteworthy offline/in-person ABA programs that you may want to consider:

• Capella University: This one requires you to complete 60 credits by taking up to 3 courses every quarter. Capella University’s quarters are 10-weeks long.
• Kent State University: Full-time students can graduate in 1 year once they finish 21 credits.
• McNeese State University: You must take 58 credits within 2 years to get your degree. Moreover, to get accepted by McNeese, you need to pass the GRE examination.
• Monmouth University: Monmouth’s courses typically last for 2 years. The requirement for graduating is 18 credits.
• Northern Arizona University: Here, you only have to fulfill 12 credits, and you can get your degree within a year.
• Purdue University Global – 2 years, not ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS): You conclude after you enroll in classes for two years and attain 30 credit hours. However, Purdue’s degree program isn’t an ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS), which means that you must meet additional prerequisites before you are eligible to take the BCBA exam.
• University of North Dakota: You could acquire a degree and complete 12 credit hours within 1 year at the University of North Dakota.

To summarize the process of becoming an ABA therapist, you need to initially get the required educational degrees and, after that, obtain the appropriate certifications.

From there, you can start to assist autistic children with improving their behaviors, create custom treatment plans for patients, and earn a desirable salary while doing so.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized treatment for autism spectrum disorder. But did you know that people without an autism diagnosis can also benefit from this form of therapy? Continue reading to learn more about how ABA works and what other conditions it can treat. 

What Is ABA Therapy? 

ABA is short for Applied Behavior Analysis. The purpose of ABA therapy is to improve specific behaviors, such as social, communication, and learning skills. This type of therapy is based on a reward system where a treat or privilege is offered for demonstrating a desired behavior. 

ABA therapy sessions combine various activities, direct instructions, modeling, and family guidance. The therapist starts by breaking down the essential skills into small steps that are easy to learn and gradually builds toward more significant changes.

Applied behavior analysis can be used for adults and children of all ages in many different settings, including homes, schools, clinics, and workplaces. 

What Does ABA Therapy Help Treat?

ABA therapy is the most effective treatment for autism spectrum disorder. It is the only proven and scientifically recognized method for treating autism with very high success rates. 

Although ABA therapy can’t cure autism, it can help develop and improve a wide range of skills, such as:

• Activities of daily living (dressing, eating, personal hygiene, toileting)
• Language abilities (speaking, understanding language) 
• Communication skills (initiating conversations, responding to questions)
• Social skills (using social cues, making friends)
• Adaptive behaviors (following rules, avoiding danger)
• Basic pre-academic and academic skills
• Reducing aggressive behaviors and replacing them with more acceptable ones.

In addition to managing behaviors of autistic children, the principles of ABA therapy are commonly used in treating individuals with other types of developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and chronic conditions. Applied behavior analysis methods are also successfully employed in classroom management when working with neurotypical children who don’t have any behavioral or cognitive disorders.

 

Continue reading to learn what other conditions can be treated with applied behavior analysis.

Other Conditions Treated with ABA Therapy

ABA was originally designed to treat children with autism. However, it has since become an effective form of therapy for a range of behavioral issues, cognitive disorders, developmental delays, and diseases affecting children, adolescents, and adults. 

 

ABA therapy has been proven effective in helping patients improve their overall quality of life by targeting problematic behaviors and replacing them with more acceptable alternatives.

 

Some of the conditions that can be successfully treated with ABA therapy include: 

• Anger issues
• Anxiety disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Cognitive impairment after brain injury
• Dementia
• Developmental disorders
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep problems
• Substance abuse disorders
• Traumatic brain injury.

Before your child starts with ABA therapy, it is helpful to learn more about the process and what to expect. Here’s what you need to know. 

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

If you are considering ABA therapy for your child, you may be wondering how to proceed. Below, we break down the steps you need to take from the moment your child receives a diagnosis until they can start therapy. 

Receiving an official autism diagnosis

Before you start looking for an ABA provider, you need to obtain the official autism diagnosis for your child by a licensed medical professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or developmental pediatrician.

Most insurance companies require a comprehensive diagnosis and a prescription or referral from your child’s doctor to be able to authorize ABA therapy.

Consultation with an ABA provider

Once you have chosen an ABA provider, you will be invited for an informal meeting where you will learn more about the organization, its philosophy, and its treatment style. You will also be expected to answer some questions to help the provider get to know your child and your family better. 

Conducting functional behavior assessment (FBA)

A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) will conduct a functional behavior assessment of your child. The assessment consists in gathering information about your child’s behavior and skills through direct observation and interviews with the family. 

Making recommendations

Based on the information gathered during the assessment phase, a therapist will make a clinical recommendation as to the number of therapy hours your child should receive as well as the required parent training hours. 

The total number of weekly sessions will depend on whether your child needs to follow a focused or comprehensive treatment. 

Focused treatment

Focused treatment requires 10-25 hours of one-on-one therapy and/or group therapy per week. It is used for children with autism who have few challenging behaviors that need to be improved, such as social skills or daily living skills. 

Comprehensive treatment

Comprehensive treatment requires more than 25 hours and up to 40 hours of individual therapy sessions per week. It is recommended for autistic children who show deficits in most areas of development.

Submitting for approval

The completed FBA and the therapist’s recommendations are submitted to the insurance provider for authorization.

Developing a treatment plan

Once your insurance provider approves the ABA services, the therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan that is the best fit for your child’s needs. Because symptoms and levels of severity vary within the autism spectrum, the treatment plan will look different for every child. 

 

The treatment plan may also include other interventions such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, Individualized Education Program (IEP), dietary interventions, and/or use of medications.

Implementing treatment

Your child is now ready to start one-on-one sessions with the therapist. Depending on the child’s needs and your goals, each therapy session can last anywhere from one hour to several hours. 

Progress evaluation

The therapist will record data and milestones that your child meets throughout the treatment. This data will clearly show progress and help make any adjustments to the treatment plan if needed. The therapist will regularly update the goals and share them with the family during monthly meetings.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Being a parent of an autistic child is difficult. One question that you will grapple with is the different therapies available for your child and the proper time to start them.

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your child’s age and level of development.

In this article, we will discuss when is the best time to start ABA therapy for different age groups.

We will also provide tips on how to find an ABA therapist for your child.

But first let’s get a little understanding about ABA therapy.

What is ABA therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of behavioral intervention used to help children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

The goal of ABA therapy is to improve communication, behavior, and social skills in your child.

ABA therapy is usually one-on-one and takes place in a therapist’s office or in your home.

Your child will work on different skills depending on their age and level of development.

Now that we have a little understanding about what ABA therapy is, let’s discuss when the best time for your child to start.

When is a good time to start ABA therapy?

When it comes to ABA therapy, the earlier you start the better your child’s outcomes will be. Generally, children are between 2 and 6 years old when they begin their ABA therapy regimen.

If you are looking for early intervention for your child, ABA therapy should start when your child is around 0-2 years old.

This is the most critical time to begin intervention as research has shown that early intervention can improve a child’s long term prognosis. In this age group, the goal of ABA therapy is to teach basic skills such as eye contact, vocalization, and imitation. Your therapist will also work on goals specific to your child’s individual needs.

For children between 2 and 6 years old , ABA therapy can help with skills such as language development, imitation and play skills. Your child will also work on more advanced social interaction skills that they need to succeed in school and at home.

For children over the age of six, ABA therapy helps your child develop independent living skills such as toileting, grooming and feeding.

Reasons To Start ABA Therapy After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis

As we previously stated, the earlier your child starts their ABA therapy sessions the better the results will be. But why is this the case?

At younger ages, your child goes through more frequent critical periods in their development. These critical periods are maturation stages in which your child is particularly sensitive to stimuli in their environment. Teaching certain concepts in these formative years pays dividends in the long run

Additionally, the earlier your child learns critical and age relevant behaviors and skills, the more productive and meaningful their time at school will be. Your child will be able to access more of the curriculum if the necessary prerequisite skills are targeted early on.

Another reason early intervention is important is to ensure that challenging behaviors are addressed early on so that they do not have the opportunity to become entrenched with age.

Without an individualized, function-based intervention plan, challenging behaviors can become worse.

The more skills a child is equipped with early on, the more of their social and learning environments they will be able to access as they grow.

When is it too late to start ABA therapy?

According to multiple sources, it’s never too late to start Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. While starting as early as possible is often beneficial, the therapy can be effective at any age. The Leafwing Center states that there are significant benefits to beginning ABA therapy early, but it can be started at any point. A post on the Autism Parenting subreddit also emphasizes that age 3 is a very normal age to start ABA, and many parents start their children around this age.

Westside Children’s Therapy suggests that children can begin ABA therapy services as early as 18-30 months, but it’s best to start right after a diagnosis of autism is given. However, the Hands Center notes that on average, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder typically start ABA therapy between the ages of 2 to 5 years old.

Autism Connect further supports this, noting that most children are between 2 and 6 years old when they begin ABA treatment, which can help them develop better communication skills. Kids First Services also mentions studies showing significant cognitive and adaptive benefits for children who began ABA therapy as early as 2 and 3 years old.

However, Westside Children’s Therapy also points out there’s no need for a lifelong commitment to ABA therapy, indicating that therapy can be started, paused, or stopped as needed. Golden Care Therapy generally advises that children are usually between 2 and 6 years old when they start their ABA therapy regimen.

In conclusion, while early intervention is often recommended, it’s never too late to start ABA therapy, and the therapy can be tailored to the individual’s needs at any age.

How often should my child attend ABA therapy?

The number of hours per week your child attends ABA therapy will depend on several factors, including age, level of development and cost.

Typically children in early intervention attend 25 hours per week, while children in the elementary and high school years attend 12-15 hours per week.

It is important that you find an ABA therapist who will work with your schedule.

The Golden Care Difference

When it comes to ABA therapy in NJ, Golden Care Therapy is a cut above the rest. Our highly trained therapists will work with you to create a personalized ABA therapy plan that addresses your child’s specific needs and goals.

Your child will have the same therapist for every session, so they will be able to form a strong bond with them as well as make progress on their scheduled tasks.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

ABA therapy is a widely used approach to treating autism and other developmental disorders.

But how did this approach come about? Who developed it and what was their original vision?

In this blog post, we will explore the origins of ABA therapy and discuss how it has evolved over the years.

We will also look at how Applied Behavior Analysis can help children with developmental disorders achieve their fullest potential.

The origins of ABA therapy

The origins of ABA therapy can be traced back to the work of psychologist B.F. Skinner, who was one of the pioneers in behavioral psychology research during his time at Harvard University.

In 1938, he published a book called The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis which outlined his theory on animal behavior and learning using operants (i.e., actions performed by an organism that lead to rewards or punishments).

Skinner described the process of learning as a form of reinforcement and punishment, which he called “operant conditioning” because it involves using operants to elicit desired behaviors from students; thus giving rise to ABA therapy today.

Who developed ABA therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy was first developed in the 1970s by Psychologist Ivar Lovaas and Robert Koegel at UCLA.

Lovaas and Koegel were interested in developing a more intensive, one-on-one therapy approach for children with autism.

Their early work was based on the principles of operant conditioning, which Skinner had pioneered many years earlier.

The original approach of ABA therapy

The original approach of ABA therapy was based on the use of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) techniques.

This involves breaking down tasks into individual steps and providing immediate feedback to the student after each step is completed.

This would help students to learn new skills in a structured, systematic way.

The goal was to teach children how to perform certain tasks or behaviors by providing immediate positive reinforcement when they succeeded; thus giving rise to today’s ABA therapy sessions.

Timeline of ABA therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. The roots of ABA therapy can be traced back to the 1960s when it was first developed as a type of behavior therapy.

The original inventor of ABA therapy was O. Ivar Lovaas (1927-2010), a renowned clinical psychologist. He pioneered what was then known as The Lovaas Method, which later evolved into ABA.

In 1960, Charles B. Ferster and Marian K. DeMyer were the first to conduct behavioral experiments with autistic children. This marked a significant milestone in the history of ABA therapy.

By 1964, the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project began in Kansas City, and Division 25 of the American Psychological Association (APA) was established. These developments contributed to the advancement of ABA therapy.

Over time, the field of behavior modification and autism services has evolved and expanded, leading to a significant variety among ABA providers. This evolution is ongoing and the timeline of the history of behavior analysis continues to be updated as new events occur.

In summary, ABA therapy has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. It has evolved into a widely used treatment for autism today, thanks to the pioneering work of individuals like O. Ivar Lovaas and institutions such as the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project and the APA.

What is ABA as we know it today?

ABA has evolved over the years into a much more holistic approach that includes many different techniques.

ABA is not just about teaching children how to do things; it’s also about building relationships with them, helping them understand their own emotions and behavior patterns better than ever before.

The goal of ABA today isn’t so much on learning specific skills as it is in teaching students how to think critically and problem solve.

Current ABA therapy techniques

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy uses different techniques to increase helpful and adaptive behaviors and decrease harmful ones. Here are some of the most common techniques used in ABA therapy:

1. Positive Reinforcement: This technique involves presenting a motivating item or rewarding behavior that strengthens the behavior’s future frequency.

2. Negative Reinforcement: This is the removal of an undesired or unpleasant outcome after the display of a behavior, which increases the likelihood of the positive behavior being repeated.

3. Discrete Trial Training (DTT): This structured teaching method breaks down skills into small, ‘discrete’ components and teaches each component one by one.

4. Antecedent-based Interventions: These interventions involve modifying the environment or conditions that precede a behavior to change the behavior.

5. Exercise: Physical activity is often used as a form of therapy to help reduce problematic behaviors and promote positive ones.

6. Extinction: This technique involves stopping the reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior, reducing the likelihood of the behavior occurring in the future.

7. Natural Environment Teaching: This is a method of teaching in a natural setting and during naturally occurring opportunities.

8. Prompting and Fading: In this technique, help is provided to guide the correct response. Over time, these prompts are reduced or ‘faded’ until the individual can perform the behavior independently.

9. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): This assessment looks at the causes and the types of reinforcements for behaviors to design effective treatments.

10. Functional Communication Training: This is used to replace inappropriate behavior or communication with more suitable behavior or communication.

11. Modeling: This involves demonstrating the desired behavior to guide the individual.

12. Video Modeling: This involves watching a video demonstration of the correct behavior and then imitating that behavior.

13. Behavior Chain: This technique involves breaking down complex behaviors into small steps, each of which is taught one at a time.

14. Generalization: This method ensures that the behaviors learned in therapy transfer to other contexts or situations.

15. Parent-Implemented Interventions: Parents are coached to implement ABA techniques to their children.

16. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): Non-verbal children and adults are taught to initiate communication by exchanging pictures with their communication partner.

Remember, the chosen techniques will vary by individual, treatment setting, and targeted positive behaviors.

 

How can ABA therapy help my autistic child?

ABA therapy can be extremely beneficial for children with developmental disorders such as autism. It has been shown to help improve their communication skills, social interactions, and daily living skills.

In addition, ABA therapy can also help boost academic achievement and reduce problem behaviors. That being said, every ABA therapy session is tailor made toward the individual child. This is because no two children are exactly alike and each requires a unique approach to their treatment.

It’s important that parents work closely with therapists in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when ABA therapy is needed, as every child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will have different needs.

However, there are certain red flags that can indicate that ABA therapy may be necessary in order to help your child reach their fullest potential.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common signs that ABA therapy may be needed.

But first let’s get a better understanding of ABA therapy.

What is ABA therapy?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.

ABA therapy aims to improve specific behaviors and skills in autistic children through a variety of techniques that involve breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps.

The steps are then reinforced until your child learns to do them on their own.

It is the most highly recommended form of therapy for autistic children and has been shown to be effective in a number of studies.

Signs your child might need ABA therapy

Below are some signs that your child may benefit from ABA therapy:

• Your child does not speak or speaks very little (also known as nonverbal)
• Your child has trouble interacting with others socially; they avoid eye contact, withdraw, or behave in a way that is disruptive to others (this includes behaviors such as screaming, tantrums, hand flapping etc.)
• You notice your child’s language skills are delayed
• Your child has difficulty expressing emotions (such as anxiety, anger)
• Your child has difficulty with problem solving (they often act impulsively or are prone to meltdowns when faced with a challenging situation)
• Sensory processing disorder or sensory issues are impacting your child’s ability to participate in everyday activities

If you are noticing these signs then you should take your child to a doctor or therapist for a further consultation. Only a trained professional can diagnose ASD.

The earlier you start with therapy the better, as studies have shown that early intervention helps children reach their fullest potential by improving language skills and reducing challenging behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder,

Techniques ABA  therapists use to help autistic children

ABA therapy makes use of a variety of techniques that aim to help autistic children reach their fullest potential. These include:

• Positive reinforcement (rewards for desired behavior) and negative reinforcement (removing an unpleasant stimulus in order to increase the likelihood of a specific behavior)
• Task analysis (breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps)
• Behavior modification (teaching new skills and behaviors)
• Social skills training (teaching autistic children how to interact with others socially)
• Pivotal response training (PRT): a form of ABA therapy that focuses on teaching new skills and behaviors by targeting pivotal areas such as motivation, self-management and self-initiation.
• Discrete trial training  (DTT): a form of ABA therapy that involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Natural environment training (NET): a form of ABA therapy that focuses on teaching new skills and behaviors in the child’s natural environment (at home or school). It is an alternative to DTT because some children may find it overwhelming.

ABA therapy is a highly individualized treatment and the techniques used will vary depending on your child’s needs. However, the main goal is always to increase positive behaviors while decreasing negative ones.

The Golden Care Therapy Difference

At Golden Care Therapy, we understand that every child is unique and so are their needs. That’s why our ABA therapists take a highly individualized approach to therapy with each of our clients. We get to know your family on a personal level and tailor the program specifically for your child.

Our team of experienced ABA professionals will develop a comprehensive plan that includes goals and strategies to address your child’s specific needs while also providing you with tools to support them at home. Our therapy sessions are designed to be fun and engaging, so your children can learn in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable!

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

If you have a child on the autism spectrum, your doctor may have recommended ABA therapy. However, with up to 40 weekly hours of intensive treatment, this type of intervention is a major commitment. Continue reading to learn more about how ABA therapy works and why it is so effective. 

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a form of behavioral therapy that focuses on reinforcing desired behaviors and reducing unwanted ones. 

ABA is an effective treatment recommended by many health professionals and the only autism therapy endorsed by the US Surgeon General. Commonly considered the “gold standard” for treating autism spectrum disorder, it has been proven highly successful in helping autistic children progress and develop a variety of skills, including:

• Activities of daily living 
• Communication skills, such as initiating conversations and responding to questions
• Social skills, for example, understanding social cues like facial expressions and body language
• Basic academic and pre-academic skills.

Applied behavior analysis therapy is based on using positive reinforcement in the form of rewards and other incentives. When the desired behavior is followed by a motivator, such as praise, a special toy, or activity, children are more likely to repeat the action. Over time, this method can encourage positive behavioral changes.

ABA Therapy Strategies

ABA therapists use a variety of strategies that are based on the individual strengths and weaknesses of each child. The most commonly used ones include: 

 

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
• Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
• Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
• Modeling

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Discrete Trial Training was one of the first interventions developed for treating autism. It is effective in teaching autistic children new skills, ranging from very simple to more complex ones. 

DTT consists of breaking down skills into smaller, “discrete” components in order to make them easier to master. Children get rewards for their achievements, which encourages them to continue learning. 

This technique is typically used with autistic children aged 2-6 years, although it can be effective at any age.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

The Early Start Denver Model consists of teaching verbal, cognitive, and social skills through play. The program can be implemented in a variety of settings, both in one-to-one therapy sessions, group sessions, preschool or specialized child care settings, and at home. 

 

ESDM is used for autistic toddlers ages 12 to 48 months as well as preschool children who show early signs of autism. Autistic children with significant learning challenges can also benefit from this therapy. 

Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

Pivotal Response Training focuses on four key (pivotal) areas of development: motivation, self-initiation, self-management, and responsiveness. The purpose of this technique is to help children with autism develop more complex communication and social skills through play and various other child-initiated activities. 

 

This strategy targets autistic children aged 2-6 years, but can be used at any age. 

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention can help autistic preschoolers build positive behaviors, while reducing unwanted ones. Therapy sessions are done in a one-on-one setting with a trained therapist. Children are taught new behaviors by breaking tasks into small steps that are easier to learn and rewarded for their achievements. Difficult behaviors are ignored.

 

EIBI requires 20-40 weekly hours of intensive therapy, often combined with other treatments such as speech and occupational therapy.

Modeling

Modeling consists of demonstrating desired behaviors, either in person or through a video, and asking the child to copy them. Through imitations, children will be able to generalize their newly acquired skills to more complex and difficult situations.

How ABA Works

ABA immerses children in a positive, caring environment in which they receive treatment that is specially tailored for their individual needs and preferences.

ABA interventions usually start with discrete trials therapy, where the therapist asks the child to perform a certain task, for example, to clap, point at a color red, or produce the sound “s”. If the child does as asked, he or she is given a reward as positive reinforcement, such as a treat, praise, or the possibility to engage in a favorite activity. The therapist will gradually introduce more complex tasks.

ABA therapy can be done at home, in school, inpatient programs, and many other settings. As a parent, you will be also trained to provide support for your child in different environments.

In the following section, we take a look at the typical ABA therapy timeline. 

Timeline of ABA Therapy

ABA therapy is a process that consists of several stages: 

 

• Conducting assessment
• Reviewing results and making a recommendation
• Creating a treatment plan
• Implementing treatment
• Evaluating progress.

Conducting assessment

During the initial stages of ABA therapy, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) performs an assessment of the child based on direct observations, the child’s medical history, previous treatments, and interviews with the child’s family and teachers. 

Reviewing results and making a recommendation

After conducting the assessment, the therapist reviews the data to determine what behaviors should be changed and how many hours of therapy are needed. The ultimate goal of the treatment is to help the child become as independent as possible and ensure improved quality of life.

Creating a treatment plan

The therapist decides whether the child needs a focused or comprehensive treatment and makes a plan for therapy sessions. 

Focused treatment

Focused ABA typically consists of 10-25 hours of one-on-one therapy and/or group therapy. This type of treatment is used when there are few challenging behaviors that need to be improved, for example, social skills or daily living skills. 

Comprehensive treatment

Comprehensive ABA requires 25-40 hours of one-on-one weekly therapy sessions. This type of intensive treatment program is usually recommended for children who show deficits in most areas of development.

Implementing treatment

The therapist implements the treatment using a variety of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques and strategies, some of which may also be initiated by the child.

Evaluating progress

Throughout the treatment, the therapist regularly measures the child’s progress. Evaluations are done every few months to help determine whether any adjustments are necessary. As the child progresses, the number of weekly hours of therapy can be increased or reduced as needed. 

 

In the following section, we explain how you will know when it’s time to discontinue ABA therapy for your child with autism spectrum disorder. 

When Should One Stop ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy often involves two to three years of intensive intervention, followed by another couple of years of focused treatment. But even when your child begins to master the goals, ABA services are not simply discontinued. It is common to gradually decrease the number of hours of therapy until it eventually stops. 

The therapist will review or discontinue ABA therapy in the following cases:

• The child has met the goals
• The child learns new skills spontaneously from the natural environment and does not need direct instructions
• Parents and teachers can successfully manage and reduce the child’s problem behaviors
• Parents are able to implement behavior plans and teach strategies without the help of a therapist.

Specialists also recommend stopping ABA therapy when:

• The child isn’t showing any progress over time
• The family and therapist disagree on the treatment plan
• The child doesn’t meet the criteria for autism.

What happens after your child finishes ABA therapy? 

Discontinuing ABA therapy doesn’t mean that your child is “cured”. It is still important to follow the transition plan to make sure that the child maintains all the learned skills. The child’s behavior should be closely monitored for several months following therapy. The therapist will help you understand what is considered a typical behavior and in what circumstances your child may need support.

 

Specialists suggest starting occupational therapy, physical therapy, or a speech program where your child can continue fine tuning the acquired skills. Some children may also need to return to ABA therapy. 

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a common therapy treatment that’s meant for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disorders. It has achieved a considerable success rate in the improvement of social, learning, and communication skills.

But what happens if it doesn’t work? What could be the cause? Read on for more insight.

What Is ABA Therapy?

Behavioral analysis is the cornerstone of ABA therapy. It’s a field of science that involves the study of human learning and behavior. It is guided by the following principles:

•   The environment determines behavior.
•   Behavior is reinforced or discouraged through consequences or rewards.
•   Positive rewards spur behavior more than negative rewards.

By definition, ABA is a form of evidence-based therapy applied to children with autism. It seeks to improve specific social behaviors like:

•   Communication.
•   Reading.
•   Social skills.
•   Academics.

It also focuses on adaptive learning skills, including:

•   Hygiene.
•   Fine motor agility.
•   Punctuality.
•   Domestic capabilities.
•   Work competence.

Simply put, ABA therapy focuses on pinpointing issues with your behavior or learning skills and addressing or correcting them. It reinforces desired behaviors to improve them and discourages unwanted behavior to suppress them.

Here is an example of the implementation of ABA therapy:

A child has communication difficulties. As their therapist, you allow him or her to access the playground to play. But the child needs help putting on their shoes and tying the laces.

However, you remain quiet and don’t offer help while waiting for the child to ask for assistance. The scenario prompts the child to communicate. Essentially, you’re using this natural situation to help the child practice their communication skills.

It’s important to note that ABA may not be compatible with all children. So how do you know when it’s not working?

Signs that ABA Is Not Working

Here are some of the signs that the ABA program isn’t working:

•   You don’t see any signs of improvement in your child after sticking to the ABA program for some time. However, remember the therapy may take a while before you can see positive results, which means you have to be patient. This is because children with autism experience difficulty responding to change. From your child’s perspective, he or she might not understand why you’re taking them to this new place to see a therapist. It might take a while before they feel safe in the new location.

•   You may also witness an increase in unwanted behavior, often called an extinction burst. This is a scenario where a certain behavior that worked in the past for your child is now being discouraged. From their viewpoint, they may think they need to put in more effort. In some cases, the unwanted behavior may increase and then disappear quickly.
•   You may also see a recurrence of behavior you assumed had been eradicated by ABA therapy. This is known as ‘spontaneous recovery’ and is something normal. Probably something occurred to lead to this recurrence of the initial behavior, or your child may be testing the waters to see your reaction. However, if it persists for a long time, it may mean the ABA program isn’t effective.

There are many reasons why ABA therapy is not working. Read on to find out.

Why Is ABA Therapy Not Working?

ABA therapy has been the subject of study for many years, with a considerable success rate among children with autism. However, if the program doesn’t appear to be working for your child, it could be attributed to external variables and not necessarily the program. These include:

Environment

Environment influences behavior. Because kids with autism grapple with sensory conditions that may lead to anxiety, stress, or self-harming behaviors, the therapy environment needs to be comfortable for your child.

This pertains to aspects like lighting, color, sound, and smell. For example, lighting may add to sensory overload and cause your autistic child to experience a meltdown. Ideally, don’t use overhead lighting, especially fluorescent lighting, in your home. Instead, opt for desk lamps or tabletop lighting.

Less Meaningful Positive Reward

ABA employs positive reinforcement (reward) to develop positive behavior. The reward must be meaningful to the child to motivate them to continue with the positive behavior. Examples include a book or a toy, praise, watching a TV program, or access to the playground.

However, if your child deems the reward as something not meaningful in their lives, then they might not have the motivation to behave positively to get the reward.

The Therapist

The ABA therapist working with your child may also determine whether or not the ABA program works. Your child might like the therapist. The approach and personality of the therapist should match your child’s exact needs. The right ABA therapist is fun and engaging. They must also be patient as sessions with children may at times be slow and taxing.

When Should One Stop ABA Therapy?

Here are likely scenarios where you should review ABA therapy for your autistic child or patient:

Positive Progress

First, look at the progress of your child since they started the ABA program. What are the outcomes of the therapy so far? The ABA therapist should always furnish you with a regular progress report covering two aspects:

•   An explanation of your child’s development on the treatment objectives worked on during the therapy.
•   An explanation of your child’s development using some commonly administered assessment mechanisms.

If your child has satisfied the treatment goals and does not need to work on any other skill (more common in high functioning autistic children) you can consider discontinuing ABA therapy.

Lack of Progress

If your child is not showing any progress even after sticking to the ABA program for some time, you should consider changing therapists or pausing the treatments.

Lack of Cooperation

The ABA program is intensive and calls for cooperation between the family and the ABA therapist to create an individualized approach for the autistic child. If you are not connecting with the therapist and cannot work together, then it’s better to discontinue the therapy or get a new therapist.

The Bottom Line

An autism diagnosis can be quite difficult for any parent. Fortunately, ABA therapy can help your child learn new social skills that are crucial to their growth and overall well-being. However, if it doesn’t work, you should review the external variables before deciding to discontinue the treatment.

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York or New Jersey, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that anxiety affects approximately 40 million adults—making it the most common mental disorder in the United States. 

In this article we will explore anxiety and how ABA therapy can be used to help treat it.  

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is used traditionally with children on the autism spectrum. According to AutismSpeaks.org, the therapy is based upon the sciences of behavior and learning. 

The knowledge of how behavior is affected by environmental factors and the knowledge of how someone learns is used to create a treatment plan designed to modify inappropriate behaviors. The aim of ABA therapy is to teach children with autism new ways to behave that aren’t harmful to them. It helps the children improve language skills, social skills, thinking skills, and daily living skills.

ABA therapy sessions can be conducted in a variety of places. Sessions can happen at school, in your home, or even in a central community location. The therapist may offer individual sessions or even group sessions.

What does that mean for you? ABA therapy is highly customizable. The therapist will design a plan as unique as you are. You will learn skills in your therapy session that could help you deal with the anxiety of daily life.

What Is Anxiety?

In simplest terms, anxiety disorder is a reaction to something stressful. Your body has a stress response when you feel threatened by something. That can lead you to feel extremely uneasy or apprehensive. The uneasiness can lead to panic attacks or compulsive behaviors that are at times inappropriate.

Anxiety is highly treatable. However, many people let it go untreated. Anxiety disorders, especially untreated anxiety, can lead to other mental health problems as well as physical illnesses that can affect daily life. Some adults with anxiety also experience depression, chronic headaches, problems sleeping, digestion issues, eating disorders, and other chronic disorders.

Children experience anxiety as well. Anxiety can cause academic performance to decline. Depression, ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder), and eating disorders are sometimes linked to anxiety. Children with autism can be particularly prone to anxiety.

Can ABA Therapy Help Autistic Children with Anxiety?

Applied Behavior Analysis strategies have been used to correct inappropriate behaviors associated with the autism diagnosis. There has been some success with treating anxiety disorders in autistic patients using the same techniques. A technique specifically used to help with anxiety in autistic children is “the bully in the brain” technique.

“The Bully in the Brain”

“The bully in the brain” technique teaches how to deal with fear differently. The child is encouraged to imagine the fear as an internal “bully.” Naming their internal fear with a name such as “Mrs. Witch” or “Mr. Mean” can help them conquer the fear. Finally, they are encouraged to talk to their internal fears in a way that helps reduce their anxiety about them.

This technique can be empowering. It teaches you to talk back to the voice of fear. “The bully in the brain” focuses on internal behaviors, but exposure is a technique that uses a different focus.

Exposure

Fears sometimes limit the child’s ability to complete everyday tasks. They don’t feel safe in their environment. The exposure therapy technique allows the child to experience fear in an environment that is controlled so they feel safe doing so. They then learn how to control their reactions to their specific fear.

Exposure therapy allows the child to identify the triggers that feed their fears. After they identify their triggers, they are exposed gradually to representations of their fear. The gradual exposure helps to limit severe responses like panic attacks. Exposure therapy can be particularly helpful in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD

PTSD is most often associated with veterans who return from combat. Soldiers aren’t the only people who suffer from PTSD, though. Anyone who has a traumatic experience can develop PTSD. People who have been a victim of domestic abuse, a crime, or even a natural disaster are common sufferers.

ABA therapy techniques have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of PTSD. Exposure therapy, in particular, seems to be helpful according to studies conducted in 2012 and 2013. The studies focused on returning veterans, but the concepts are the same for anyone who has experienced trauma. Untreated PTSD can lead to phobias.

Phobias

A phobia is an extreme fear. It’s irrational, and it can often lead to harmful or negative behaviors. The therapist will help you adjust harmful behaviors to something healthier. The therapist’s goal is to teach you appropriate coping techniques to replace inappropriate ones.

ABA strategies are often helpful when dealing with phobias. The techniques teach you to take a step-by-step approach to deal with fearful situations.

Final Thoughts

ABA therapies were originally used with patients diagnosed with autism. Therapists can use the same ABA techniques to treat people dealing with anxiety disorder. The goal of ABA therapy is to change behaviors, so the patient learns better coping skills.

A therapist will determine which strategy best fits your diagnosis. “The bully in the brain” and exposure are two popular techniques that have been shown to work with patients who are experiencing anxiety. Exposure has been an effective treatment for combat veterans who suffer from PTSD.

Daily living skills like language, thinking, and social skills can also be improved using Applied Behavior Analysis therapy techniques. Your therapist is able to customize techniques to treat your unique situation. Your therapist will analyze whether a group or individual session will benefit you more. They will also help you choose an appropriate location for your therapy sessions.

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York or New Jersey, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.