Written by Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven, research based methodology that has decades of research supporting positive and meaningful behavior change in children. ABA has really found its success in treating those with Autism, developmental, and learning disabilities. It is the only empirically proven treatment for Autism that leads to the reduction of negative behaviors, and acquisition of new skills.
With that being said ABA isn’t limited to Autism! ABA is the science of behavior change, and BEHAVIOR is the only thing limited to ABA. Behavior is something each and every one of us exhibits every day!
Preschool age is critical to positive outcomes! Early intervention is key! Learning and development is at its highest rate in these early years. Some children with developmental disabilities and delays demonstrate deficits in those critical learning and developmental milestones. Early intervention is essential to bridging the gap, and developing these fundamental skills! Adding ABA into the mix guarantees success, progress and creating a strong foundation!
ABA can target any skill. ABA breaks down skills into small achievable steps, and mastery is achieved at every step. Positive reinforcement in the school and home environments ensures progress. Progress is systematically tracked and evaluated through the collection of data. This ensures that all new skills and behaviors are successfully integrated into everyday life.
Here are 10 reasons why your child deserves ABA:
It’s science!
Compared to any other intervention ABA is the most scientifically supported intervention! ABA has the most scientific data and support for its principles, techniques and overall effectiveness. There are at least a dozen professional journals that are dedicated to the science of ABA. ABA is currently the only autism therapy recommended for long-term benefit by the United States Surgeon General.
ABA can be done anywhere and at any time…with anybody.
ABA is not limited by the environment, time of day, population or age group it services. ABA can be utilized in school, at home, in a grocery store, library or park. ANYWHERE! It’s easily adaptable to an endless number of learning environments and situations. Additionally, ABA can grow with your child as they grow! The expectations may change but the approach to teaching those expectations stays the same.
It capitalizes on your child unique abilities.
Using the principles of ABA as the methodology skills are taught in individualized yet very systematic way. ABA strives to teach the way a child learns rather then making a child learn the way we teach!
ABA is a COMPREHENSIVE program.
Yes, ABA is the science of behavior change, BUT any skill deficit has a basis in behavior. Therefore, ABA targets language development, social skills, motor skills, play skills, and self-help/daily living skills.
It attacks any behavioral issues or skill deficits from the root of the problem.
ABA always approaches issues based on the function of a behavior. We recognize that each and every behavior serves a function for the individual that is engaging in that behavior. Therefore, we find a way for an individual to get the need met in an appropriate way.
It will teach your child independence.
We target dressing, feeding, and toileting skills!
It will teach your child how to make friends.
ABA teaches children the nuances of appropriate socialization. Focusing on play, joint attention, greeting, reciprocating language, and conversational language. Our goal is to help a child develop the skills necessary to be a kid! Every child deserves to enjoy companionship, go to birthday parities, have play dates, and sleepover. ABA can make this a reality.
Generalization is the name of the game!
Any good ABA program has generalization built right into it. Generalization is the idea that any learned skill will occur OUTSIDE of its learning environment. Therefore any skill that has been learned we want it to occur in all environments, at different times and with different people. Children with Autism and other developmental disability often strive on a routine and sameness. ABA works to break out of these routines and have children exhibit all learned skills in all environments, and these skilled a maintained as time goes on!
It will help you be the best possible parent you can be!
ABA therapy, through observations and direct training will help you learn the skills and techniques that elicit the best from your child.
Your child will achieve beyond your wildest dreams.
Too often children with a disability or a diagnosis are held to low expectations. ABA creates an environment where your child is pushed to achieve. Low expectations could be the biggest hindrance to your child’s progress.
If you would like to learn more about ABA and how we utilize it here at Newmeadow or how you can begin to implement some ABA techniques at home please call (518)899-9235 or email me (Slaraway@newmeadow.org)!