Applied Behavior Analysis: What Are ABA Services?

About one in every 54 children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of ASD has increased threefold from 2000 to 2016.

While there are different options for autism treatment, more parents are researching ABA services. Applied Behavior Analysis could help your child improve their social, communication, and learning skills. This course of treatment is individualized to your child's needs in mind.

To find out exactly what ABA therapy is and how it can help families who have a child with autism, keep reading to find out.

In this guide, we'll review everything you need to know about ABA. That way, you can choose the best option for your child.

What are ABA Services?

First, let's answer the question that's on your mind: What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

ABA is a form of therapy that relies on positive reinforcement. It can help individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental conditions. ABA services are often used for patients with:

• Borderline personality disorder
• Substance misuse
• Anger issues
• Eating disorders
• Cognitive impairment from a brain injury
• Panic disorder, phobias, and OCD
• Dementia

Your child might need different therapeutic interventions throughout the course of their treatment. These interventions can vary based on your child's age and history of reinforcement. Early intensive behavioral intervention is best for addressing challenging behavior.

Our team will determine which intervention will best suit your child's needs. Our Behavior Analysts work to develop initial assessments and provide ongoing supervision.

Finding a Therapist

When searching for a therapist, focus on finding a board-certified behavior analyst. Otherwise, look for someone who has years of specialized ABA training. Their previous experience will give you peace of mind.

First, your child will meet with an ABA-trained therapist. They will undergo a functional behavior assessment (FBA). The FBA gives your child's therapist a chance to learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and challenges.

This evaluation gives the therapist a chance to interact with your child. They will learn more about your child's current skill set. These skills can include their communication level and behaviors around others.

The therapist might ask to see your child in school and at home.

Remember, behavioral treatment for autism varies from patient to patient. The FBA will give your child's therapist a plan to determine what therapeutic intervention they need.

The Goal of Treatment

ABA services can help your child accomplish specific goals based on their unique needs.

For example, does your child struggle with social interactions? ABA therapy could help them show more interest in people. They could learn to communicate more effectively, too. Does your child struggle to ask for what they want? ABA could help them better communicate using clear and specific language.

If your child is prone to tantrums and outbursts, Applied Behavior Analysis might help. They could reduce their self-harming behaviors, too. ABA might even help them focus at school.

Once your child begins treatment, they will undergo frequent evaluations. These evaluations will help the therapist discover what is causing certain behaviors. Then, the therapist can help your child improve.

Learning as a Caregiver

ABA could help the child's caregiver as well. You can help improve your child's behaviors and skills outside of therapy. This joint effort can improve your child's progress.

You will work alongside your child's therapist. They can work with your child's teachers as well. Together, you will learn how to reinforce good behaviors.

You will also learn how to avoid reinforcement that can have a negative impact. For example, giving in to a tantrum could lead to future outbursts. Instead, you will develop the skills you need to help your child.

Paying for Treatment

There are a few ways you can reduce how much you pay out-of-pocket.

First, see if your child's school offers an ABA program. The school might want to complete an evaluation beforehand. They could even fund your child's ABA treatment outside of school.

Consider your health insurance plan, too. Some insurance plans cover at least part of the cost. Your provider can give you a better idea of how much you'll pay out-of-pocket.

Otherwise, consider looking into a financial assistance program. You might find a center that offers a scholarship.

Don't hesitate to ask for advice about covering your child's treatment.

Medicaid does not pay for ABA therapy in New York.

ABA Services: Learning and Development for Children with Autism

Help your child develop, learn, and socialize. With ABA services, you can help them communicate and reduce negative behaviors.

Their customized treatment plan can help them develop the skills they need.

Interested in learning more about ABA and other therapy treatments? We are here to help.

Contact us today to get started.

New York Therapy Placement Services, Inc. offers this service and we have trained professionals and therapists that can be of help to your child!