Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of
learning and behavior that is typically used to help people with
autism achieve their goals and learn the skills they need to reach
their full potential. It applies researchers' understanding of
how behavior works in real-life situations. The goal is to increase
behaviors that are meaningful in the person's life, to develop
skills that allow people to learn and participate in their chosen
activities and to create a reinforcing environment appropriate to
each person that supports development of new skills. The following information is designed to help you determine if ABA therapy is the right choice for you or your child with autism and how to choose an ABA provider.
In this edition of E-Speaks, you will read about three autistic
individuals' personal and professional experiences with ABA and
other behavioral interventions. You will also learn what ABA therapy
typically looks like for children and adults, the right questions to
ask when seeking out a provider and red flags to avoid.
Questions and answers about ABA therapy
ABA is the most common type of intervention for people with autism,
but it is still widely misunderstood. The truth is that ABA is a
highly individualized therapy that can be different for every person
and practitioner. Read on to learn what appropriate ABA looks like,
the most common approaches to the therapy and ways ABA principles can
be applied to support autistic people throughout their lifespans: [link removed]
A lifetime of critical services and supports helped a young autistic
man believe in himself
Jason H. is a young man with autism working as a farmhand while he
studies to earn his bachelor's degree in film studies. Here, he
shares how early intervention therapies helped him cope with his
differences as a child and prepared him for independent living as an
adult: [link removed]
Getting started with ABA: asking the right questions
ABA therapy starts with finding a good Board-Certified Behavior
Analyst (BCBA) - but this is often easier said than done.
Choosing a therapist is a complicated process, but with the help of
this article you can learn the right questions to ask a potential
provider and red flags to look out for that might signal a harmful
approach: [link removed]
ABA from a personal and professional perspective
When Chanel K., BCBA, was diagnosed with autism and other disorders at
age 28, the news caught her by surprise - but the diagnosis only
brought her closer to her career in behavioral therapy. Read about her
journey receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult, the strengths and
challenges that led her to a career in ABA and her unique perspective
on ABA therapy: [link removed]
ABA: What is it and what it means to me
Many people think that ABA is only meant for children, but the therapy can also have huge benefits for adults. In this blog post, one autistic community member shares how her experience with ABA as an adult helped her learn new skills, pick up a new hobby and make progress on her goals: [link removed]
Learn more about how ABA and other therapies can help you overcome
harmful behaviors
People with autism often struggle with behaviors that are harmful or
dangerous, which can be hard on them and their families. Behavioral
therapies like ABA can help people understand the reasons for these
behaviors and teach them healthier ways to communicate those needs.
Click here to browse our resources around behavioral challenges and
therapies and get the support you need: [link removed]
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