What to Expect in ABA Therapy
In order to determine a treatment plan for your loved one, an ABA Therapist will conduct a clinical assessment after receiving a diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist, or neurologist. Thus, ABA Therapists can determine which behavior intervention plan is most appropriate, what clients and caregivers need, and how much assistance is required.
The assessment process usually includes the following:
- An interview with the caregiver.
- Assessment and observation of skills will be conducted in a variety of settings, including a home and community setting. Communication, social and emotional, and adaptive skills will also be evaluated.
- An assessment review by a professional other than the assessor.
What will ABA services look like?
Services will vary depending on the specific goals of each child and how the child learns best. You can expect interactive, hands-on, structured, naturalistic services. In addition to encouraging a positive environment, ABA Therapists also celebrate the progress and successes of their patients.
As part of the services, Registered Behavior Technicians are usually there and focused on each child’s specific needs: functioning, self-help, social interaction, and communication skills.
ABA services are available for individuals of all ages, in a wide range of settings. These include home-based services, center-based services, community-based services, school-based services, or virtual services.
What skills will most likely be worked on?
After your child has completed a clinical assessment, your clinical team will create individualized treatment plans that focus on developmentally appropriate skills. These may include:
- Increased communication
- Reduced frustration when communicating
- Toilet training on an individual basis
- Enhancing social skills
- Skills in health and safety that are age-appropriate
- Skills related to sleeping and eating
- Skills necessary for functional living
Who will be working with my child during ABA?
Your child will receive individualized treatment with the same Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) each day. Typically, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) oversees the program, collects data, and measures progress. Your RBTs will implement the program and collect data that allows you to measure progress and modify the program accordingly.
Does your child get to interact with other children during ABA Therapy?
In some cases, a group setting may be the most suitable environment for a child who needs to generalize new skills, practice social skills, or transition to a less restrictive environment. As well as 1:1 programming, group programs can also be recommended.
What can caregivers to do help their child during ABA?
To empower families with the necessary skills, the clinician develops individual caregiver support services based on the assessment of the parent’s or caregiver’s skills and works. As part of the ABA process, the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with your family regularly (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) to set individualized goals aimed at assisting parents in addressing behavior deficits and skill acquisition.
In sessions, families learn strategies that are useful for every day. As you become more comfortable with the daily activities in sessions, you will take on a more active participant role by participating hands-on during the sessions and interacting with them. Eventually, you will be able to facilitate the skill acquisition tasks and feel empowered to continuously assist.
How long will my child need ABA Therapy?
Every child will require different amounts of time for ABA Therapy. Your clinical team will work with you and your family to create a treatment plan and work through it as promptly as possible.
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