What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the application of the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors. It is a well-researched, evidence-based approach that focuses on using the principle of reinforcement to create meaningful changes that promote independence and improve the quality of life for individuals. Relied upon since the 1960s to assess and treat children with autism, ABA therapy is scientifically validated in its effectiveness and continues to be the leading therapeutic treatment for children who struggle with the barriers of language development, behavioral issues, and social skills. By examining behavior as a function of its antecedents (events occurring before a behavior) and consequences (events occurring after a behavior), BCBAs, or Board-Certified Behavior Analysts can define and develop interventions that may dramatically improve quality of life and self-sufficiency.
What Behaviors Improve?
Research has shown that ABA therapy provides varying benefits to children and adults of all ages, no matter how early they begin treatment. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved sociability
- Enhanced play skills
- Better ability to imitate
- Improved motor skills
- Increased independence in life skills (toileting, eating, dressing, etc.)
- Increased functional and effective communication
- Improved personal connections (with family, caretakers, teachers, etc.)
- Better adaptation to new situations, people, and environments
- Increased attending skills Improved coping skills and flexibility
While ABA is used in many different areas, from brain injuries and elder care to business management and behavioral medicine, it is mostly used to help children with autism. ABA therapy is essential to teach children to effectively communicate and lead more independent lives. Whether a child has little or no language skills, difficulty with self-care, self-stimulates (flapping, spinning, rocking, etc.), or exhibits aggressive or dangerous behaviors, ABA therapy is customized to address each child’s specific needs to optimize the best outcomes. ABA requires a team approach, where the behavior therapist, BCBA, caregivers, and surrounding community interact cooperatively to create and enact plans to meet the child’s changing needs from infancy to adulthood.
What Should I expect from Proactive Health Corp’s ABA Program?
Proactive Health Corp provides ABA therapy to help children reach their full potential. Our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) work with the caregivers and children to assess each child’s strengths and deficits, then customize protocols that foster optimal development and learning. Every child, family, and situation is special, so the ABA therapy plan these specialists devise is comprehensive to match those needs. It is not a universal, or “one-size-fits-all”, approach to the treatment of autism. The BCBAs develop a plan of action for the child that involves his or her family and community.
For the most up-to-date information on insurance coverage and private pay options, please contact our office by phone, email or complete the website contact form.
Through intensive ABA therapy, he or she may build confidence, form peer groups, learn healthy self-soothing, better communication, and improve academically. Our highly trained Behavioral Therapists (BT) or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) work with the child on the plan designed by the BCBA in a highly-reinforcing and fun environment. They are supervised by the BCBAs and work with the family to encourage optimal learning opportunities. Some of the programs designed for children include:
- Errorless teaching procedures to minimize frustration for a child
- Functional Behavior Assessment to determine why problem behaviors occur
- Functional Communication Training to replace problem behaviors with appropriate behaviors
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to help a child adapt to new situations and environments
It is often recommended that a child receive consistent ABA therapeutic treatment to achieve the best outcomes. In addition, the most beneficial ABA therapy programs not only foster a child’s developmental needs, but engage parents and caretakers. When a child receives intensive ABA therapy, he or she may build confidence, form peer groups, learn healthy self-soothing, better communication, and improve academically.
