If you aren’t familiar with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or want to know more about what ABA is really like, you’ve come to the right place. This article will discuss in detail what ABA is and what goes on during an ABA session with a child with Autism. First and foremost, what is ABA therapy? ABA is an evidence-based Autism spectrum therapy and is one of the most common types of therapeutic interventions for individuals on the Autism spectrum. Early intervention is especially important for children who are fortunate enough to be diagnosed early (at or around two years old). ABA therapy involves the use of positive and negative reinforcement through rewards and praise to help a child learn new skills. Parents and caregivers may also receive training to allow the child to continue making progress at home. ABA therapy typically occurs anywhere from 10 to 30+ hours per week depending on the child’s specific needs.
One of the most important aspects of ABA therapy is that it is individualized. A diagnosis of Autism can look very different from person to person and a one size fits all treatment approach simply would not work for someone on the spectrum. Every individual participating in ABA therapy has different needs and therefore, programming is individualized to fit those needs. An ABA provider should never tell you that there is only one approach to treating Autism. To hear more about how different treatment centers individualize programming you can search “aba therapy Bergen County”.
There are a variety of different teaching methods used within Autism spectrum therapy including: discrete trial teaching (DTT), early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), verbal behavior intervention (VBI), pivotal response treatment (PRT), and naturalistic environment teaching (NET). Below is a short description of each of the teaching methods mentioned above:
- Discrete trial training (DTT): This breaks a desired behavior into the simplest steps.
- Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI): This form of ABA is designed for young children, usually under age five.
- Pivotal response treatment (PRT): The focus here is on important areas of a child’s development, like self-management and taking charge in social situations.
- Verbal behavior intervention (VBI): Improving a child’s verbal skills is the goal.
- Naturalistic environment teaching (NET): Using situations that would happen in a child’s every day life to help teach skills.
We have also included a list of several common Autism spectrum therapy session activities that a child may participate in on a day-to-day basis. These activities may change based on a report from home (if they did not sleep well, haven’t eaten, or if they have been engaging in a high frequency of disruptive, dangerous, or destructive behaviors). Again, the individualized approach to ABA allows for these changes, so that they session can run as smoothly and as successfully as possible.
- Adaptive activities (daily living skills)
- Desk learning (often discrete trial training (DTT))
- Free play
- Feeding
- Potty training
- Group learning
- Social skills
- Gross motor activities
It is also important to be familiar with the four key components of Autism spectrum therapy sessions: session preparation, pairing, preference assessments, and programming. Session preparation involves the behavior therapist gathering the materials necessary for the session and creating/preparing data collection materials. During each session a therapist will take data to monitor your child’s progress. Pairing, also known as rapport building, occurs during every session as well. Pairing involves the behavior therapist connecting themselves with a child’s favorite items or activities. These preferred items or activities are what professionals refer to as “reinforcers”. When a behavior therapist pairs themselves with these highly motivating reinforcers, they become the reinforcer. That connection increases their likelihood of engaging with the therapist, complying with instructional demands, and increases their acceptance of the therapist’s presence. Pairing is what sets the foundation for learning and bonding to occur. Preference assessments, while not run every session are a common first step in the ABA therapy process. It is during a preference assessment where we discover what is most motivating for your child and what they will most enjoy working for. Some common examples of preference assessment items are different toys, books, food items (usually small snack items), bubbles, iPad or tablet, music etc. Finally, programming usually involves both naturalistic and discrete trial teaching. These programs are run by a behavior therapist to help your child develop new and improve on existing skills.
For more detailed information, or any specific questions you have about ABA therapy or to find an ABA provider you can do a quick Google search for “aba therapy Bergen County “or” aba therapy near me”. An ABA professional will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Meet the Experienced ABA Therapists at Capable Cubs ABA Therapy Center in Bergen County
At Capable Cubs, we believe that selecting an ABA therapy center near you is an incredibly critical decision with lasting consequences. As a leading ABA services provider in Bergen County, we encourage parents to always ask questions and evaluate our services and therapists without any hesitation.
Our team of highly trained ABA clinicians includes experienced and qualified BCBAs and RBTs who specialize in combining various ABA methods for providing the most effective treatment to your child with ASD. We create a structured roadmap for every child, including extensive initial assessments, comprehensive ABA treatment plans, critical learning milestones and effective discharge plans to successfully transition out of our care. Our goal is to help your child build the skills needed to increase independence, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their community.
Select an ABA therapy center that works best for your family’s priorities, needs, and goals. Get in touch with the Autism specialists at Capable Cubs. Call 201-786-6280 or contact us online to learn more about our quick intake process.
