About ABA Therapy

Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment.

The principles and methods of behavior analysis have helped many different kinds of learners acquire many different skills – from healthier lifestyles to the mastery of a new language.

Therapists apply behavior analysis to help children with autism and related developmental disorders. At ABA for Children, we help you understand how to best meet the needs of your child with an individualized plan.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. One example is positive reinforcement. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.

Today, ABA is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for autism. It has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General and the New York State Department of Health. ABA principles and techniques can foster basic skills such as looking, listening and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another person’s perspective.

Please see our resources page for a link to a number of completed studies have demonstrated that ABA techniques can produce improvements in communication, social relationships, play, self care, school and employment.

What Does ABA Intervention Involve?

Effective ABA intervention for autism is not a “one size fits all” approach. Therapists customize the intervention to each learner’s skills, needs, interests, preferences and family situation. For these reasons, an ABA program for one learner will look different than a program for another learner.

That said, you can expect the following from ABA for Children:

• Staff who will engage with you throughout the process:
  • Initial assessment
  • Goal development
  • Intervention design
  • Plan implementation
  • Evaluation
• Clearly defined goals, which will the focus of treatment
• A thorough assessment in order to identify the factors affecting your child’s behavior
• Individualized behavioral interventions based on your child’s needs
• Evaluation of your child’s progress on a regular basis using objective measures and criteria

What Kind of Progress Can Be Expected with ABA?

ABA intervention can help learners with autism make meaningful changes in many areas. However, changes do not typically occur quickly. Rather, most learners require intensive and ongoing instruction that builds on their step-by-step progress. Moreover, the rate of progress – like the goals of intervention – varies considerably from person to person depending on age, level of functioning, family goals and other factors.