Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States. As research continues into this neurodivergent condition, ABA therapy remains the frontline course of intervention for securing successful outcomes for children with autism. Early intervention with ABA therapy leads to positive outcomes for these children that are visible into adulthood.
ASD affects how a person behaves, communicates, engages socially, learns, and lives independently. For a person with ASD, early intervention can help them work on skills that will allow them to enjoy a fuller, more independent life as they get older. While many children are not diagnosed with autism until they are older, autism is often diagnosed between the ages of 18-24 months of age.
Once a child is diagnosed, intervention with ABA therapy can help support their growth and development, preparing them for school and ensuring they are given the best opportunity possible for successful living. The team at Stride Autism Centers understands the inherent value of getting kids with autism enrolled in ABA therapy as soon as possible. We’ll discuss the importance and benefits of ABA therapy and tell you how you can get started.
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, or “ABA therapy,” a form of interventional behavioral therapy that helps individuals with autism build new skills, gain independence, feel confident in social situations, and regulate emotional and behavioral challenges. Through techniques like positive reinforcement, discrete trial training, natural environment teaching, pivotal response training, and others, children are allowed to “practice” for real life in a safe setting.
ABA therapy is highly individualized, with each child receiving a plan that is unique to them. Each child’s plan for therapy will include an assessment of their strengths and unique abilities, goal setting, expectations for family involvement, and techniques that will be used for reaching goals.
In the United States and many countries globally, ABA therapy is considered the primary method of intervention for children and individuals with autism and insurance coverage for the care is mandated in all 50 states. Its usage is heavily researched and shows that it helps children and individuals with autism develop essential skills for life. As such, the sooner a child is exposed to ABA therapy, the more consistent these positive outcomes will remain.
Why Early Intervention Matters
It may not seem like sending your child to ABA therapy at such a young age is necessary. After all, many children are diagnosed as toddlers. However, research shows us that the earlier a child is diagnosed and begins to use ABA therapy, the stronger the likelihood of positive outcomes later in life.
Brain Development
When children are very young, they have a higher level of brain plasticity than they do when they get older. Being able to learn new skills and retain them is more likely in a young child, because their brain is more adaptable. Mastery over skills is more common because the brain itself is still developing.
Reaching Full Potential
Early intervention with ABA therapy helps a child reach their full potential over the long-term. When a child has more time to work on new skills, learn communication methods, and understand social situations better, they will have a greater chance for learning future skills that build on these foundations.
ABA therapy helps a child work on all aspects of their day to day life, including social structure, communication, independence, behavior, and emotional regulation. Young children can begin work on these skills early which can help prepare them for childhood and adolescence, as well as adulthood.
The Benefits of Starting ABA Therapy Early
Because autism exists on a spectrum, each child with autism will have varying levels of needs. Each child with autism will have unique abilities and goals that can be addressed with varying ABA therapy techniques. Early starts in ABA therapy benefit children with autism in many different areas of their lives.
Improved Communication Skills
Some children who enter ABA therapy may have limited verbal skills or be non-verbal. ABA therapy focuses on addressing communications issues by offering children with autism space to make words as they are able, and introducing alternative methods of communication, as applicable, like body language, picture exchanges, and the use of electronic communication devices.
Enhanced Social Skills
Engaging socially can be difficult for children with autism. ABA therapy, especially in center-based programs, introduces children to social situations through playtime with other children and through one-on-one therapy sessions to help them understand social cues, relationship building, and interaction with their peers.
This method of early intervention works well for children with autism because it allows them to choose different responses to social situations without experiencing negative consequences they might experience in a less supportive real-world setting. Providing a safe and positive space for children to learn social interaction can help them feel more secure and gives them the ability to learn on their own terms.
Better Behavior Management
Positive reinforcement is a foundational aspect of ABA therapy and one of the primary methods of behavior modification. Through the use of positive reinforcement, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) will help your child through behavioral challenges by encouraging positive behaviors. Through this process, your child learns to use the positive behaviors for which they are rewarded, and unfavorable behaviors are naturally diminished.
Greater Independence
Parents are often concerned that their children with autism may never be able to complete tasks independently. With early intervention in ABA therapy, children learn to complete tasks by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, going to the restroom independently can be broken down into tasks like recognizing the urge to go to the bathroom, walking to the bathroom, using the toilet, washing hands, drying hands, etc.
As a child masters each individual task, they build toward the ultimate goal of mastering the task in its entirety. Learning how to break down large tasks into smaller tasks helps set a foundation that fosters more independence as a child grows.
These benefits help children with autism thrive at their age, but they also set the course for positive, long-term outcomes.
The Impact of ABA on Long-Term Outcomes
All parents worry over developmental milestones, and as a parent of a child with autism, you’re probably very aware of your child’s growth and development. Early intervention with ABA therapy helps children with autism reach developmental milestones that they may struggle with, or may have missed altogether.
Early intervention with ABA therapy sets the course for future learning and development in a child’s life, encouraging school readiness, the ability to engage in social situations, and live a more independent life.
Each child’s journey is unique and early intervention provides the best foundation for future success.
How to Get Started With ABA Therapy
When you are ready to begin your child’s journey into ABA Therapy, the first step will be finding a qualified provider. You can look for providers in your area and schedule interviews and tours to learn more about available facilities. You can also ask friends and neighbors if they have recommendations for ABA therapy providers in your area.
If your child has not been diagnosed with autism, contact a qualified provider to begin the evaluation process. Your child’s pediatrician may be the first point of contact, but many ABA therapy providers will also be able to perform a full diagnostic evaluation for you.
When choosing an ABA therapy provider, talk to them about family involvement in the therapy process. It will be important for your family to be able to bring the ABA technique used in your child’s autism center back home to further reinforce them.
Early Intervention is the Key to Success
For children with autism, there is a significant value to beginning early intervention with ABA therapy. Research tells us that children who receive therapy early have more positive outcomes later in life. Early intervention is one of the best ways you can offer support to your child. ABA therapy can make a significant difference that allows your child to thrive.
At Stride Autism Centers, we focus on helping your child succeed in a way that is fun, engaging, and always safe for them. We encourage family involvement and would love to meet with you to discuss how we can provide ABA for your child. Visit us at any of our locations today, or reach out online to schedule an in-center tour.
As parents, we want the best for our kids. As a parent of a child with autism, you want to know you’re doing everything you can to set your child up for success. Your child can have a bright future and amazing outcomes from their early involvement and exposure to ABA therapy.
Sources:
Patient Outcomes After Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder – PMC
