Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA Treatment Services
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles of reinforcement, extinction, shaping, chaining...etc used learn new skills to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior. Behavior analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. In this context, “behavior" refers to actions and skills. "Environment" includes any influence – physical or social – that might change or be changed by one's behavior. Therefore in the treatment process, our goal is not control our client's behavior but to change the way we react to what the other does as to create the most positive outcome. On a practical level, the principles and methods of behavior analysis have helped many different kinds of learners acquire many different skills – from healthier lifestyles to the mastery of a new language. ABA is not just for children with autism but is used by all of us to learn new skills and decrease behaviors we no longer want to engage in.
Evidence for Effectiveness of ABA as a Treatment for Autism
In ABA therapy, these techniques are used in structured situations such as a one-on-one interaction between the therapists and the child. ABA therapy can also be used in group instruction such as social skills training, as well as natural "everyday" situations such as family dinnertime, playing on the neighborhood playground, and going grocery shopping with mom.
ABA is a safe, effective, and data driven treatment for autism and other developmental delays and conditions. Our goal is o help children learn to advocate for themselves with functional language, teach independence, and meet developmental milestones that will improve their overall well-being. It has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General.
Just as a medical treatment program should be directed by a qualified medical professional, ABA programs for learners with autism should be designed and supervised by qualified professionals, which include either licensed counselor with specific training in applied behavior analysis or those who are a Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and/or licensed with the State of Washington as a Behavior Analyst.
Why do we offer center-based treatment instead of in-home therapy?
Center-based treatment services provide an effective controlled setting for initiating treatments services to children with autism. Having sessions in a controlled environment at the start of treatment allows practitioners to control the delivery of reinforcement to the child so that they only receive reinforcers when they demonstrate target responses such as: asking for what they want using clear words, demonstrate joint attention or appropriate social interaction, or learn a new task. Though home-based therapy may be more comfortable for the child - at least until they get used to the center, center-based treatment typically has fewer distractions than home therapy therefore allowing the child to learn a bit faster initially. Center-based therapy can be more equipped with the learning materials needed and provides a more structured setting than home therapy. Lastly, center-based treatment allows our supervisors to supervise your child's treatment more frequently ensuring efficacy of the treatment and faster progress initially.
There are, however, significant limitations to center-based treatment, especially after the first year of ABA therapy. Center-based treatment is not designed to be the primary source of ABA treatment because of its exclusive teaching environment. The practitioner is not able to teach a child to generalize their new skills into the home and community, thus creating a learning plateau. Children with ASD and other developmental delays need ABA treatment in other environments for their skills to expand. In-home ABA therapy is typically recommended following the first year of clinic-based treatment.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles of reinforcement, extinction, shaping, chaining...etc used learn new skills to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior. Behavior analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. In this context, “behavior" refers to actions and skills. "Environment" includes any influence – physical or social – that might change or be changed by one's behavior. Therefore in the treatment process, our goal is not control our client's behavior but to change the way we react to what the other does as to create the most positive outcome. On a practical level, the principles and methods of behavior analysis have helped many different kinds of learners acquire many different skills – from healthier lifestyles to the mastery of a new language. ABA is not just for children with autism but is used by all of us to learn new skills and decrease behaviors we no longer want to engage in.
Evidence for Effectiveness of ABA as a Treatment for Autism
In ABA therapy, these techniques are used in structured situations such as a one-on-one interaction between the therapists and the child. ABA therapy can also be used in group instruction such as social skills training, as well as natural "everyday" situations such as family dinnertime, playing on the neighborhood playground, and going grocery shopping with mom.
ABA is a safe, effective, and data driven treatment for autism and other developmental delays and conditions. Our goal is o help children learn to advocate for themselves with functional language, teach independence, and meet developmental milestones that will improve their overall well-being. It has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General.
Just as a medical treatment program should be directed by a qualified medical professional, ABA programs for learners with autism should be designed and supervised by qualified professionals, which include either licensed counselor with specific training in applied behavior analysis or those who are a Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and/or licensed with the State of Washington as a Behavior Analyst.
Why do we offer center-based treatment instead of in-home therapy?
Center-based treatment services provide an effective controlled setting for initiating treatments services to children with autism. Having sessions in a controlled environment at the start of treatment allows practitioners to control the delivery of reinforcement to the child so that they only receive reinforcers when they demonstrate target responses such as: asking for what they want using clear words, demonstrate joint attention or appropriate social interaction, or learn a new task. Though home-based therapy may be more comfortable for the child - at least until they get used to the center, center-based treatment typically has fewer distractions than home therapy therefore allowing the child to learn a bit faster initially. Center-based therapy can be more equipped with the learning materials needed and provides a more structured setting than home therapy. Lastly, center-based treatment allows our supervisors to supervise your child's treatment more frequently ensuring efficacy of the treatment and faster progress initially.
There are, however, significant limitations to center-based treatment, especially after the first year of ABA therapy. Center-based treatment is not designed to be the primary source of ABA treatment because of its exclusive teaching environment. The practitioner is not able to teach a child to generalize their new skills into the home and community, thus creating a learning plateau. Children with ASD and other developmental delays need ABA treatment in other environments for their skills to expand. In-home ABA therapy is typically recommended following the first year of clinic-based treatment.
Parent Involvement in ABA Treatment
Parent play a crucial role in their child's ABA treatment program. Studies show that children whose parents are actively engaged in the process make measurable gains . First, no one knows the child better than the parent; the parent’s provide critical and insightful information that will help guide the ABA program. Second, parents are able to continue to prompt and reinforce the child through his and her various daily activities - an essential component to generalizing skills. Finally, parents are in a position to be able to record and track data in the home and community setting. At Child Enrichment Center we provide an intensive parent training program and offer free online training "Parenting Strategies 101 in Applied Behavior Analysis" to anyone interested in learning about ABA treatment for improving the symptoms of autism. Parents can become an expert in their own child's treatment! Go to our Parent Education page now and learn more.
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