ABA is simply for everyone. The principles applied in ABA are mainly used to enhance the lives of people with autism, but it also is a great way to reduce behavioral problems. Studies have revealed that 47% of children who were involved in ABA at an early age attained higher educational performance.

Infants, children, and adolescents.

Not only does ABA develop basic skills such as looking, listening, and imitating, but it also develops complex skills such as reading, carrying a conversation, and engaging in joint attention. In addition, it also improves attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics. ABA programs increase or maintain positive behaviors, and decrease problematic behaviors.

What does ABA therapy programs can help in?

• Increase language and communication skills
• Improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics
• Decrease problem behaviors

The earlier a child receives treatment plans, the sooner they will develop high educational performances. Children as young as 24months can benefit from ABA therapy.

ABA is considered an evidence-based best practice treatment. This means that it has passed tests of its usefulness, quality, and effectiveness. The techniques ABA focuses on are antecedents, which is what happens before a behavior occurs, and consequences, or what happens after the behavior. ABA teaches skills that are useful in an individuals’ daily life.

ABA is a flexible treatment:

• Can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique person
• Provided in many different locations – at home, at school, and in the community
• Teaches skills that are useful in everyday life
• Can involve one-to-one teaching or group instruction

Every client has their own programs based on the needs that need to be met in their lives. The goal is to help the person work on skills that will help them become independent and successful in the future. A qualified BCBA designs the programs that need to be run by customizing each learner’s skills, needs, interests, and preferences.

The behavior analyst starts by doing an assessment of each person’s skills and preferences in order to write the appropriate treatment goal. These treatment goals depend on the age, and ability level of the person. The goals include different skill areas like communication and language, self-care, motor skills, learning and academic skills, and social skills.

During a session, the instruction plan breaks down these skills into small steps. The therapists teach one-step at a time, starting from the simplest skill like imitating single sounds, to more complex skills like carrying a conversation. In the meantime, the BCBA and therapists must collect data during the session. This helps monitor the client’s goals on an ongoing basis.

The behavior analyst regularly meets with family members and program staff to review information about progress. They can then plan ahead and adjust teaching plans and goals as needed.