What Are the Benefits of ABA Therapy for Autism
The benefits of ABA therapy for autism are substantial, with many experts considering it to be the gold-standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that can improve social, communication, and learning skills for individuals with developmental conditions, such as autism. These therapies are most often tailored specifically to individual needs, helping them develop necessary skills to increase positive or helpful behaviors, and decrease harmful or negative behaviors.
While the benefits of ABA as a therapy option are evident, many still wonder about its effectiveness as a whole, as well as the end goal and other common questions. To address these rightful concerns, let’s take a look into the specific benefits of ABA therapy for autism, as well as certain ABA therapy techniques that can prove its effectiveness.
ABA Effectiveness
To properly analyze ABA effectiveness, it’s important to take a look at the success rates of the therapy on a clinical level. According to the Surgeon General’s autism treatment report, ABA therapy accounts for 45% of therapies that develop long-lasting and observable results for individuals with ASD.
Several studies have reported how successful applied behavior analysis can be for people with autism. A 2011 review examined 27 studies across several peer-reviewed publications, and found that children who received ABA therapy experienced improvements in cognitive abilities, language, adaptive behavior, and social skills.
ABA therapy has also been found to be effective in treating symptoms of autism that can cause distress and emotional harm in individuals. A 2007 study indicates that children who receive ABA therapy early on in life make more sustained gains in cognition, academics, adaptive behaviors, social behaviors, and language compared to children in control groups.
While short-term intervention does work for some children, research suggests that long-term, intensive treatment is more effective, especially starting at a young age. A study conducted in 2012 found that in 48 toddlers with autism, 6 months of ABA therapy starting around 2 years old improved both their ability to communicate with others, as well as the severity of their autism symptoms.
ABA Therapy Techniques
There are many ABA therapy techniques that all play a role in understanding and changing behaviors. The flexibility of these techniques allows for ABA to:
- be adapted to meet the unique needs of each person
- be provided in various locations, such as at home, in school, or within the community
- teach skills that are useful in everyday life
Some of the specific ABA therapy techniques that have been proven effective include:
- Positive Reinforcement - One of the primary strategies used in ABA, positive reinforcement works to identify goal behaviors. An individual is more likely to repeat a certain behavior when that behavior is followed by something of value, such as a reward. These rewards are usually meaningful to the individual, including praise, a book or toy, watching a video, access to the playground, and others. By providing these positive rewards that encourage individuals to continue using this skill or behavior, this can over time lead to meaningful behavioral change.
- Planned and Naturally Occurring Behaviors - Individuals have the opportunity to learn and practice a wide range of skills each day. Many of these are placed in both planned and natural settings. For instance, someone learning to greet others may learn how to say “Hello” in a planned classroom setting with a teacher and other students, or on the playground at recess in a more natural setting.
- Discrete Trial Training - This technique utilizes the ABC method: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence. This technique gives therapists the chance to help the individual understand that maladaptive behaviors, as antecedents, lead to reactive behaviors in others, and therefore negative or harmful consequences.
Can ABA Therapy Cure Autism?
While ABA therapy does not cure autism, as there is no known cure, it does help manage many of the associated symptoms. What helps even more is that ABA is suitable for people of all ages, and is not restricted to children. Therefore, extended treatment is a sure way to bring on positive results for the long run.
Autism Specialty Group
Autism Specialty Group is one of Miami’s leading behavioral health organizations offering therapy for children with autism. Our ABA services allow individuals to receive evidenced-based methods that produce lasting, meaningful change. By providing the highest level of service, state of the art treatment and support systems, and an excellent team of accomplished professionals, we can raise the bar of our profession and help individuals improve the social, cognitive, and communicative skills they need.
For more information on our tailored therapy services, contact us today to discover how we can make a difference.
References
Autism Speaks (n.d). Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Retrieved December 6, 2021 from
https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis.
Healthline (2021, June 21). Is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Right for Your Child?
Retrieved December 6, 2021 from