As the parent of an autistic child, it’s frustrating to feel like you can’t help them. And like all parents, parents of autistic children want the best for their kids. Though Autism comes with unique challenges, there’s a ton of great research available to help.
If you’re trying to help your autistic child thrive, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy can do wonders. If you’re not familiar with ABA therapy, these are five major ways it can improve your child’s life.
1. The Research Backs Up ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is backed up by evidence. Once a child puts about 40 hours into ABA therapy, parents begin to see over 90% improvement in their behavior.
Plus, several reputable organizations support ABA therapy, including Autism Speaks, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment.
2. ABA Therapy Teaches Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the foundation behind ABA therapy. This includes verbal praise, special treats and food, free time, and special activities. When your child does what they’re told, you should positively reinforce the behavior.
These reinforcement strategies are better for your child to learn as opposed to negative reinforcement.
3. ABA Therapy Helps Autistic Children With Social Skills
Social skills can be challenging for autistic children. ABA therapy for autism uses behavioral intervention and Pivotal Response Training that promotes good communication skills. ABA therapy provides autistic kids with the skills that help them make friends and get along with their peers.
ABA therapy enforces learning in group situations, giving them many opportunities to talk to other kids. This can also help them learn faster.
4. ABA Therapy Provides Individual Assessments
When your child is enrolled in ABA therapy, they will meet with licensed professionals for an evaluation. They observe your child in their natural environment and see how they socialize with others.
These evaluations determine where your child needs the most assistance. Because the evaluations are all individualized, they will be given therapy that’s most effective for them.
5. ABA Therapy Allows Autistic Children to More Independent
The best APA therapy techniques will provide your child with greater independence. This is a powerful benefit because autistic children are often highly dependent on their parents.
Within ABA, the Direction Instruction (another technique used in ABA) encourages kids to rely on their comprehension skills to problem solve rather than relying on their parents.
Pivotal Response Training encourages your child to become more motivated to want to do stuff on their own. Over time, these habits become ingrained, and your child will complete more tasks on their own.
You can learn more info about these techniques by reading reviews and searching for ABA therapy within your area.
Now You Know Some of the Benefits of ABA Therapy
These are five of the main benefits of ABA therapy. However, there are still a ton of other great ways that ABA therapy can help autistic children.
ABA can give your autistic child more independence and greater social skills which will greatly help them in life. Plus, the science backs it up!
So, why not look into this therapy technique today? If you have any questions, you can always talk to your child’s doctor to learn more!
And before you go, be sure to check out the rest of our blog. We have a ton of other great articles on different topics that you’re sure to love!