ABA therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a data-driven approach to help individuals with autism and other developmental challenges learn new skills and thrive! The goal is simple: to improve communication, social skills, and reduce behaviors that might get in the way of everyday life. Every session is carefully tailored to fit the unique needs of the child in therapy, ensuring it’s a personalized and positive experience. So what might that look like exactly?
ABA sessions typically last 2 to 4 hours and can happen a few times a week, giving plenty of opportunities for growth. In a center environment, depending on the intensity, children could be part of an ABA treatment plan essentially full-time during the week. For in-home services or social skills groups, that might consist of an after-school or part-time capacity. Regardless of the location however, all treatment plans and sessions start from observing and assessing the child and figuring out the core skills they’re targeting and what behaviors might need some improvement. From there, therapists create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on building up strengths, whether that’s learning how to communicate with others or improving social interactions.
Each session is full of activities designed to help the child succeed. One of the main teaching methods in ABA is Discrete Trial Training (DTT), where big tasks are broken down into smaller, easy-to-learn steps. Another fun approach is Natural Environment Training (NET), where skills are practiced in everyday settings—like playing a game or helping out during snack time—making learning more meaningful and engaging! The point is to make therapy so fun and rewarding, the child hardly knows that there is actually learning involved.
As a data-driven therapy, an essential part of ABA is keeping track of progress. Therapists gather data during each session to see how well the child is doing with their new skills, where improvement is happening (or struggling), and what topics to bring up or focus on with the rest of the clinical team and parents. This helps each therapist fine-tune the plan and keep things moving in the right direction. But it’s not just the therapists involved—parents and caregivers play a huge role, too! They learn how to reinforce these new skills at home, making sure the progress sticks long after the session is over.
In the end, ABA therapy is all about empowering individuals to build skills and live more independently. With the right support from therapists, caregivers, and family members, every person in therapy has the opportunity to shine and reach their full potential! Reach out to one of our Care Coordinators today to learn more!
Want to dig deeper into the details of ABA therapy? Check out our blog series below!
https://www.verbalbeginnings.com/aba-blog/category/aba-therapy/
