What is ABA Therapy?

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and learning. ABA supports individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities with their communication, daily living, social interactions, and play skills.

• Has individualized goals tailored to each person’s unique strengths and needs
• Is individualized to each person’s culture
• Supports progress that is meaningful to the individual and their family
• Promotes autonomy, self-advocacy, and choice
• Is flexible

How do I know if ABA Therapy is right for my family?

Every child is unique and so is every family. ABA therapy may be a good fit if your child needs support with:

• Communication
• Daily living skills
• Social Interactions
• Play skills
• Reducing behaviors that interfere with learning or safety
• Increasing independence in home, school or community settings

Ensure that your ABA provider will:

• Listen to your concerns and involve you in setting goals
• Individualizes the therapy to your children’s strengths and areas of need
• Respect your child’s identity, dignity and preferences
• Use positive reinforcement and fun activities during treatment
• Communicate with you about your child’s progress and the need to adjust strategies based on data

What ABA Therapy isn’t

ABA is a relatively young field that has evolved significantly since its start in the early

1980s. There are many misconceptions about modern ABA therapy.

• Use control, punishment, or isolation
• Teach children to be robotic
• Ignore the child’s feelings
• Cause trauma