What is ABA Therapy?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapists in Westchester, NY

Difficulties with social interactions, maintaining eye contact and language development – these are behaviors commonly seen in children with autism. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a form of therapy that is frequently recommended for those with autism and other developmental disorders. 

ABA is based on this idea – if certain behaviors are rewarded, children will repeat those behaviors. The goal of ABA is for positive behaviors to increase, and negative behaviors to decrease.

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How Does ABA Therapy Work?

The first step involves an assessment of the child’s particular needs, as well as their current ability levels in socializing and communication. A specialized behavior analyst will then design a custom therapy program, with treatment goals that focus on several areas. These include:

• Self-care
• Learning and academic skills
• Motor skills
• Leisure and play
• Social skills
• Communication skills

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ABA Therapy Techniques

• Discrete Trial Training

These are skills that are broken down into small steps, with correct steps receiving immediate praise, and mistakes being corrected in a gentle manner. An example of this involves teaching a child to say “hello” by practicing this in a controlled setting, followed by rewarding a correct response.

• Natural Environment Training

These are skills designed to be used in the real world, instead of a structured and clinical setting. An example of this involves teaching a child to request a teddy during playtime, rather than during a lesson.

• Functional Communication Training

A child with limited communication skills may scream or tantrum when they want a break from a difficult task – for example, homework or chores. Encouraging a new communication method, such as a visual cue, can help the child to express their needs in a positive and desired way.

• Token Economy System

A reward system can be put into place using things like stickers or tokens. These tokens can be exchanged for rewards, like extra playtime or the use of a favorite toy.

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Common Misconceptions of ABA 

In the past, applied behavior analysis has received criticism. Before ABA was refined, punishment was used as a behavior correctional tool for children who failed to develop new skills. Despite this aspect of ABA being long-since discarded, many people still oppose this therapeutic treatment.

Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Forced ‘normalization’

Some people believe that the use of ABA pushes the normalization of behavior onto neurodivergent children and young people. They believe that ABA pressures them to behave like everybody else.

However, in practice, ABA is used to address the most socially significant behaviors – the behaviors that directly impact the safety and learning of a child. 

• The use of bribery to teach children

Positive reinforcement is a common method in ABA. And this factor is criticized by opposers, who believe that children are effectively bribed into “being good” and exhibiting desirable behaviors. 

However, the difference between positive reinforcement and bribery is this: positive reinforcement is a method in which a child is informed of expectations in advance. Whereas with bribery, a child is typically offered a reward when already engaging in challenging behavior. 

• Comparisons made to animal training

Some of the methods used in applied behavior analysis are also used in animal training. ABA is based on the scientific principles of learning and behavior – positive reinforcement and prompting are both used as tools to address socially significant behaviors that affect the learning and safety of the child.

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ABA Therapy – How Long Does It Take?

The needs of every child are incredibly unique, and so the time spent in ABA therapy can vary drastically. Once your child begins working with a therapist, they can determine a time-estimate for the treatment. 

As the therapy sessions progress, a more accurate timeframe will be given, depending on how quickly the child improves and the intensity of support needed.

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Take Our Quiz

Westchester Therapy Match wants to make sure that you’re matched with the best ABA therapist for your needs. We have created a simple quiz that takes less than five minutes to complete. 

We will use your answers to understand who you are and what you’re looking for so we can match you with the most appropriate therapist. Click here to take the quiz.

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