Do you think that your child behaves differently from other children his age? Or if you are a teacher, do you have a pupil or pupils, who are always behind the others academically, show disinterest in the people and events around them, have speech or motor problems, and are socially aloof? These are just a few of the many symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ASD manifest. Several treatments for this condition have been discovered and one of them is the ABA Therapy or Applied Behavioral Analysis.
ABA Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a developmental disorder that is prevalent among children aged three years old to eight years old. Determining if a child has this ailment is difficult because it cannot be diagnosed using X-ray machines, scanners, or laboratory tests. One can only find out by observing the child’s behavior. Since ABA Therapy does not involve the use of medical drugs, many parents have opted to have their children undergo the therapy and many of them were satisfied with the improvements that they see in their children.
The Concept and Process of ABA Therapy
The Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy is a kind of treatment that is based in the science of behavior and learning. It aims to bring a change in the way the child acts or conducts himself by increasing the number of positive or good conduct and decreasing the negative or bad conduct applying the reinforcement theory. ABA therapists aim to change a child’s behavior using reinforcements or rewards.
Today, ABA Therapy clinics have opened to meet the needs of the growing number of autistic children. Many parents prefer this treatment because it can be done at home, in school, in the community, and in any other location.
It can be customized to meet the special needs of an individual by designing procedures that target the child’s undesirable ways. This means that no technique or procedure fits everyone. This type therapy is offered by licensed ABA therapists, ensuring that each child works with an autism specialist that designs activities that can lead to a change in behavior.
How It Is Done
For example, asking a child to gather his toys and place them neatly in his toy box may elicit a positive or negative response. When a child does as he was told, he is given a reward which is something that has relevance to him. For collecting his toys, a boy can be rewarded with praise or a nod of approval or he can be given a book, a toy or anything he loves.
The next time he plays with his toys, one can see that he does not wait to be told to do it but does it on his own initiative. When a child does not follow, he is not scolded but he is not given a reward. It is believed that as time goes by, gathering his toys can be a part of his daily routine and he will do it without anyone telling him because his particular behavior has changed.
Our ABA Therapy here at Holsman Children’s Therapy Center is tailored to the unique behavioral needs of every child. For best results, have your child undergo therapy as soon as his ASD is confirmed. The younger the child is, the easier it will be to treat his condition.