If you’re a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you’ve likely heard about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This well-known treatment option has proven effective for children with ASD, but you may still have questions before deciding if it’s right for your child.
In this article, we’ll explain what is ABA therapy for kids, how it works, how it can benefit your child, and when it might be best to start. We’ll also explore what you can do to support your child to help them grow up in a loving environment.
What Is ABA Therapy for Kids?
ABA therapy is a treatment approach that analyzes a child’s behavior to help them develop important life skills and habits that will allow them to experience the world in the best way possible according to their particular differences.
At Abacus Therapies, our trained behavior therapists use ABA therapy principles to evaluate each child’s developmental stage to determine what is appropriate for them to work on. We also consider their environment—such as noises, visual stimulation, and proprioception—and how these factors impact their regulation and emotions, creating a plan tailored to their unique needs.
Although ABA therapy is primarily used to support autistic children, research shows that it can also be beneficial for children with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and certain aspects of Down syndrome.
In fact, a 2022 study suggested that ABA principles could be applied successfully to over 350 socially significant behaviors.
How Does ABA Therapy for Children Work?
One of the main reasons ABA therapy at Abacus is so effective is because of our personalized approach. Each child’s program is tailored to their specific developmental level, temperament, and personal interests. These programs are flexible and can be adjusted based on each child’s progress.
Therapy sessions can range from 1 to 8 hours a day, up to 5 days a week, and are led by a therapist specialized in autism. The duration and frequency of these sessions depend on every child’s individual needs.
In this treatment, you’ll see that ABA therapists have several responsibilities, including:
- Conducting initial assessments of the child’s state
- Creating personalized plans
- Designing and implementing activities to achieve therapy goals
- Monitoring progress and adjusting the plan as needed
Some of the most common techniques used in ABA therapy for children with ASD include:
- Positive reinforcement
- Visual modeling
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
To keep children engaged, our therapists incorporate fun activities into the sessions, like guided play. For example, ABA therapy might involve puzzles, pretend play (such as acting out stories or hosting tea parties), or even using toy tools to fix toy cars.
Where Do ABA Sessions Take Place?
There are three types of ABA therapy sessions, based on location:
- In-home ABA programs
- School-based ABA programs
- Center-based ABA programs
After an initial assessment, the therapist and parents will decide which setting is best for the child to make the most progress.
At Abacus Therapies, we currently offer in-home and school-based ABA services for children in Georgia and South Florida. We also have an ABA therapy center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where individual and group therapies will be available.
The Role of Parents in ABA Therapy
Parents play a crucial role in the success of ABA therapy. Our therapists work closely with parents, providing regular updates and advice to ensure that the child is getting the support they need. The tight feedback loop between parents and therapists ensures that everyone is working together as a team for the betterment of the child.
In ABA therapy, parents are encouraged to attend sessions, where they can watch the therapist’s techniques and learn how to apply them at home. This hands-on involvement helps reinforce the child’s progress outside of therapy sessions.
Can ABA Be Done at Home?
Yes, ABA therapy doesn’t end when the session does—it continues at home. We joyfully work with your child in your home to help build skills and have fun all based on their individual interests.
If you wish to learn more, there is also ABA Therapy training for parents. During the sessions, a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) will teach you how to best support your child so they can navigate the world feeling fulfilled and happy.
Finally, there are many activities for kids with ASD that the whole family can enjoy together. From games and adventures to imaginative play, these activities are easy to set up and are a great way to keep everyone entertained while also learning valuable skills.
Main Goals of ABA Therapy for Autistic Kids
Scientific research has shown that ABA therapy can help autistic children:
- Improve language and communication skills
- Develop and maintain daily life skills
- Enhance social functioning and interactions
- Foster independence
- Increase school participation and academic success
Because autism manifests differently in each child, the goals and progress will vary. ABA therapy is designed to adapt to these individual differences.
Can ABA Therapy Be Harmful?
Although ABA therapy is widely accepted as an effective treatment, it has faced criticism before. Concerns are mainly based on the notion that it uses punishment and other outdated methods to achieve its goals, which may cause harm to children. While this might have been the case in the 1960s, ABA therapy has evolved significantly since its inception.
Today, our goal at Abacus Therapies is to create a happy environment based on what brings your child joy. It’s all about caring and positive reinforcement. If you watch closely, we are incorporating valuable skill-building into play, and the children love it!
What Is the Best Age to Start ABA?
Nowadays, autism can be reliably diagnosed by age 2, and experts recommend starting ABA therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis. Supporting your child from such an early age can only be beneficial for their overall well-being as they grow up and develop.
Starting therapy later, such as at age 6 or older, is still beneficial. Having successfully worked with children of all ages, we firmly believe that with an individualized plan, children of any age can learn how to navigate the world with the support they need.
How Abacus Therapies Can Help
Abacus Therapies was founded by a family with a child on the autism spectrum, motivated to help others on their journey with ABA therapy. With support from friends and family, this wish has come true—and we have helped many children over the years.
At Abacus Therapies, we have a team of highly qualified ABA therapists with the experience and passion to help children with ASD reach their full potential.
If you’re ready to explore ABA therapy for your child, start by requesting a free consultation. Our therapists will explain the process, discuss your child’s needs and goals, and provide information about ABA Therapy insurance coverage and other financing options.
Together, we can create a personalized plan to help your child thrive.
Let us help you begin this journey!
Our locations
We have several locations across the country where we offer ABA in-home therapy and school-based ABA therapy.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Miami-Dade, South Florida
Broward, South Florida
Palm Beach, South Florida
Atlanta, Georgia
Abacus Therapies center-based ABA services are available in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Visit HereOur entire approach is rooted in your child and their needs, and from there develops with the family in mind. We take time to connect with your child, so we can discover the best way to help them, and you, develop and communicate.
Abacus Therapies works with many insurance companies to offer our families coverage, and our relationships with those companies means we can help you navigate what can be a very confusing process. If you aren’t covered, we’ll turn to our deep network of professionals to get you the best resources we can. Either way, get in touch with us to discuss your specific needs.
The diagnosis isn’t just about your child—it’s something that affects your whole family. Abacus Therapies is dedicated to working organically with children and families to grow naturally as a team, while incorporating the latest developments and best practices available.
The sessions will occur at home or at school, depending on the specific plan we create together. And while your entire family isn’t required to be present, we strongly believe everyone can benefit from being involved in therapy. Additionally, we provide parent and family training if requested.
Just as every diagnosis is different, every child responds to therapy differently and develops in their own time. We believe our focus is to connect with your child and build organically from there. Based on your child’s needs and milestones, we’ll develop a custom “road map” to help families through the process.
Your program will be custom to you and your child. We align with industry standards, which show that an intensive program early on can be extremely effective in your child’s ongoing development.
It’s often the case that your child will need continued support as they grow, but it’s not likely to be as intensive as in these early stages. We’ll know better when we understand your child’s unique needs.
Yes. We’ll work with your family’s specific scheduling needs and help build a plan that works for everyone.
We’ll do our best to staff you with a bilingual therapist. Generally, the therapy is conducted in English to support what your child is exposed to in school.
Bilingual therapy on request is only subject to availability of therapists. Reach out to us to find out more.
Therapy of this kind is a learning experience for you as well as for your child. Abacus Therapies will help you incorporate the lessons and tools from therapy into your day-to-day life.
You should speak to your child’s pediatrician for more information. Diagnosis requires a licensed neurologist or psychologist, and your pediatrician should be able to recommend someone for you.
We currently offer services to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida, the Charlotte metro area in North Carolina, and in Atlanta, Georgia.
We work with a wide range of ages, starting from first diagnosis and early childhood, all the way through adolescence.
