Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy Right for Your Child? 

ABA is a type of evidence-based therapy that’s used to help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn new skills and manage their behaviors. While studies have shown that it can benefit children with ASD, it’s not always the best treatment option. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics of ABA so you can decide if it’s right for your child and family. 

How Does it Work? 

ABA treatment plans are built around each child’s individual goals, needs, abilities and age. In addition to teaching children language and social skills, ABA is used to help reduce unwanted behaviors like biting. It can also help children learn to be more independent by teaching them functional skills such as washing the dishes and self-help skills like getting dressed. Overall, the purpose of ABA, and other treatments for ASD, is to address behaviors that are important to the child and their family. 

What is Paraprofessional-Led ABA? 

Traditionally, paraprofessionals implement ABA treatment during scheduled sessions. The sessions can take place either in the client’s home, a clinic or some other community setting. Because paraprofessional-led ABA treatment can take between 10 to 40 hours per week, depending on the specific needs and age of the child, families have to think carefully about making this time commitment to ABA.  

Because ABA does take up a lot of time each week, some families decide to stop or take a break from it. But before they do, they need to talk about it with their child’s care team.  

What is Caregiver-Mediated ABA? 

This type of ABA therapy doesn’t include scheduled sessions with a paraprofessional. Instead, a parent or caregiver is trained by a clinician to provide ABA therapy directly to their child. Many people like this ABA model because it gives them more flexibility, allowing them to provide treatment anytime, anywhere. For example, a parent or caregiver can practice saying words with their four-year-old who has ASD at a park while their older child is having soccer practice.   

How Long Does ABA Last? 

ABA is a treatment, and like most treatments, it’s most helpful at specific times in a person’s life. On average, people stay in ABA for two to three years. It’s normal for people to find that over time, their child makes less and less progress with ABA. So, when ABA is no longer benefiting their child, parents and caregivers need to think about other interventions or programs that can help improve their child’s quality of life as they get older. 

Whether you choose ABA therapy or a different type of treatment for your child, one thing remains the same. The more involved you are in the treatment, the better it will be for your child.