Lucy Payton 
ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental condition. One diagnosed with this can have differences in their brain, which can affect their social and behavioral interactions. Its manifestations can be observed as early as twelve months, and it can last a lifetime. As the name suggests, Autism or ASD is a spectrum disorder. It means everyone can witness varying impacts.
Though the condition does not have a cure, there are ways to help someone with ASD function better. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies are strategies offering a similar outcome. This evidence-based approach focuses on understanding and altering behavior patterns.
If you aim to understand applied behavior analysis and its possibilities, this post is where to begin. Here, we will walk you through ABA therapy for autism, areas it can work on, techniques it uses, and the ideal place to start. Here it goes:
Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Do you want to understand how well the applied behavior analysis works for autism spectrum disorder? Let us go back to the origin of the concept.
Origin
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was once known as the Lovaas Method. It was introduced by Dr. Ivar Lovaas as a treatment plan for autism. He believed in operant conditioning reforming to improve the behavioral challenges faced here. He conducted research by offering ABA therapy to 40 children and presented results suggesting a notable improvement in the skills of 90% of them.
In the initial period, ABA therapy was centered around techniques to modify behavior. As of now, certain advancements and practical approaches have emerged for better outcomes from applied behavior analysis. The best part is that the field is characterized by constant improvement and ongoing research.
Areas it is Effective On
It is no surprise that ABA or applied behavior analysis therapy has proven to be highly effective for children with ASD or autism spectrum disorder. Here are some benefits one can expect from it:
Enhancing Communication Skills
Applied Behavior Analysis can work on a child’s understanding ability and following verbal instructions. Following the treatment, they will understand non-verbal signs, such as facial expressions and body language. Behavior therapists work on listening skills, understanding, and remembering verbal exchanges.
Supporting Social Skills
ABA therapists use many techniques and practices to teach and develop social skills. These are often related to social language, social intuition, and social play. Other skills taught include eye contact, social cues, emotions, and conversation initiation.
Offering Self-Care
From task analysis to positive reinforcement, ABA therapy uses strategies to implement self-care. As a result, a child can be aware of performing regular hygiene routines, meal-time independence, toilet training, and household chores.
Supporting Cognition and Motor Skills
A child can benefit from ABA therapy in many ways. They can have a better focus on their body, improved motor control, and self-awareness. Activities and curriculum are designed to work on executive functions, attention, spatial reasoning, and language skills.
Starting with Applied Behavior Analysis
Amidst all concerns about applied behavior analysis for autism spectrum disorder, knowing when to begin tops all. Usually, one can enroll their child for ABA therapy anytime from 2 to 6 years of age. Here are more details about it:
With Early Intervention Stages
It is advisable to begin with therapy early, from 2 years onwards. This age is seen as the ideal period to start, as early intervention can impact the outcome of autism spectrum disorder. It can help focus on basic skills, simplifying transiting to elementary school, better.
Following a Diagnosis
It is advisable to enroll them in applied behavior analysis if a child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delays. ABA is seen as an effective part of the treatment plan. Commencing early lets one address the development challenges of a child.
Observing the Behavioral Challenges
One can enroll a child without/before a diagnosis. It usually happens when parents, caregivers, or teachers observe signs related to language or social development in a child.
Finding the Ideal Destination For Applied Behavior Analysis
Whether looking for autism therapy in Denver or any other county in the US, one must ensure a reliable center for applied behavior analysis and related programs. Fortunately, filtering out the ideal center is a simple step. Here is what you need to know about it:
- Treatment Plans: The treatment plan and curriculum are crucial for an ABA treatment plan. It ensures a child receives the treatment tailored to their needs, thus focusing on the strengths and development areas of a child.
- Certifications: Registered therapists lay the foundation for a child’s development plan with evidence-based techniques. They identify the programmatic areas and develop apt coping mechanisms accordingly.
- Focus/Goals: Before enrolling in an ABA therapy center, you can always discuss the plan of action or focus of treatment plans. Learn about their reviews online to get a glimpse of their outcome.
- Distinctive Approach: Every child is different and thus requires a unique approach and individualized attention. One must ensure the ABA therapy center offers one-to-one attention before enrolling their child.
Conclusion
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological condition causing developmental delays. One diagnosed with this manifests trouble socializing, delayed language development, repetitive movements, intense reactions to certain situations, and more.
This post has served as a detailed guide on autism spectrum disorder, its common manifestations, and the possible treatment plan. Applied Behavior Analysis, an evidence-based approach, can work as a treatment plan for a child with autism. It can support communication, social, self-care, and cognition development. The appropriate age to begin with ABA therapy has also been discussed here. One can enroll a child for early intervention, starting from 2 years of age, after a diagnosis, and on observing behavior challenges.
Some tips on finding and shortlisting a therapy center have also been discussed here. Whether you are looking for autism therapy in Denver or Aurora, learning about treatment plans, goals, and certifications of an ABA center is helpful. You can learn about the reviews and observe the add-on facilities as well.
