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What Makes Akron ABA Therapy Effective for Kids With Autism?
Providers of Akron ABA therapy understand well why it’s considered the gold standard for treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (as well as a few other conditions like Down syndrome). But there are many schools of thought when it comes to this relatively newer practice area, so it’s perfectly understandable that parents and caregivers would ask, “What makes ABA therapy so effective?”
We should start by pointing out the obvious: People on the autism spectrum tend to process information a bit differently than others who are considered “neurotypical.” Autism is considered a developmental disability associated with differences when it comes to learning, moving, or paying attention, as well as challenges with social communication, sensory processing, and variations in routine. It’s a broad spectrum, so not every child or challenge is the same, and it can also vary depending on the environment.
Akron ABA therapy – applied behavioral analysis – is an approach to treatment rooted in the proven scientific methodologies of respondent and operant conditioning with the goal of altering behaviors of social significance. That’s a mouthful, but basically, it’s trained behavior specialists using a formulaic approach to studying behaviors that may be holding the child back in life, and determining how we might help them gradually let go of those by using one-on-one positive reinforcement over a period of weeks, months, or years.
The goal is not to change the child. We accept kids with autism as they are. What we strive to do is help them more effectively navigate the world around them.
ABA often focuses on skills that are part of independence and success in everyday life. It will vary depending on the child, their age, and how their challenges are impeding their independence and quality of life. These can include things like:
- Extreme sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli that can make it tough to carry out basic grooming.
- Intense fixation/focus on things to the extent that it impedes social engagement.
- Stringent reliance on routines that can impede the ability to transition from one thing to the next without major outbursts.
- Inability to focus long enough to benefit from classroom instruction, even in a modified classroom.
Behavior technicians, who are supervised by board-certified behavior analysts, may work on things like teeth brushing, eating a variety of foods, getting dressed, improvement of tactile tolerance/sensitivity, self-awareness and understanding “the size of a problem,” having conversations, making friends, reading emotions, advocating for their needs/wants, etc. If issues like self-harm or elopement are a concern, we can help formulate strategies to help reduce those occurrence or severity.
This is done by breaking down these larger skills into smaller, more manageable steps.
This all probably seems quite serious, but one of the reasons our Akron ABA therapy approach is so effective is because it is play-based. There’s a ton of research to back this, and the crux of it is: Kids remember the skills they learn when it’s fun. The positive reinforcements are child-led so that it’s always engaging. If they’re interested in music or certain characters or animals or toys – we try to incorporate those as much as possible. It doesn’t mean every day is easy breezy or there are never tough moments. But patients and therapists form a trust over time that ensures the child feels safe and respected and heard – and happy – while they’re working on these skills.
Lastly, the most effective pediatric ABA therapy doesn’t start and end with the child. The best programs are those that incorporate the concerns, ideas, and feedback of parents, other caregivers, teachers, doctors, etc. Ultimately, we want the skills being taught to carry over across environments – whether that’s at home, school, worship, community outings, and just being out in the real world. We can help parents and other stakeholders by providing strategies to apply when certain challenges arise (role play, modeling, redirection, etc.) so that there is consistency across environments. That is ultimately what is going to help the child absorb the lessons we’re imparting faster.
Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides ABA therapy to children in Akron, Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email.
Additional Resources:
More Blog Entries:
How Long Will My Child Need to Be in Cleveland ABA Therapy? Dec. 23, 2022, Akron ABA Therapy Blog