If you have a child who was recently diagnosed with autism, the chances are that you may have heard about Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA therapy. However, it’s natural to have questions about this technique. In simple terms, ABA is considered the gold-standard treatment for children with autism. It is clinically proven to be effective in helping children with autism develop the skills they need to succeed.
How Does ABA Therapy Work?
ABA therapy is a highly structured program that uses positive reinforcement to help children learn new skills. It can be done in a variety of settings, but ABA therapy completed at a child development center, like Springtide, may be the most effective.
The techniques behind ABA therapy can vary depending on the patient’s age and developmental milestones. At Springtide, our ABA therapists will work with each child and their family to create goals that are specific to his or her needs.
Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement is one of the main strategies used in ABA. It is especially useful when teaching new skills, such as playing with another child or learning how to ask for something.
On the other hand, when a child engages in an undesirable action, that reward is withheld. It’s important to note that ABA therapists always use positive reinforcement in a loving and supportive way – there is never any punishment or negative reinforcement.
Goals of ABA Therapy
The basic strategy behind ABA therapy is rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement. This helps children understand how their behavior works and how it affects real-life situations.
The overarching goal of ABA therapy is to increase behaviors that are helpful, productive and aligned with success and decrease behaviors that do the opposite. Other goals of ABA therapy include:
- Improved communication skills
- Increased attention, focus, social skills and memory
- Reduced problem behaviors
ABA Therapy at Springtide
Just as every child is unique, their ABA treatment should be unique as well. Our team of therapists at Springtide will work with you and your child to create specific goals that will help them progress. Not only does our team focus on ABA therapy, but we also utilize a multidisciplinary approach to help each child thrive and reach their greatest potential.
Our treatment approach includes:
- ABA therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Language acquisition
- Social skills
- School readiness
- Functional living skills
Springtide’s personalized programs are readily adaptable to meet the ever-changing needs of each child. Our goal is to help them develop skills that produce independence and success – both now and in the long run.
The Springtide Difference
We believe in accessible care for all children with autism and their families. Therefore, unlike some other ABA providers, we accept all major forms of insurance, and we can begin treatment in as little as a few weeks.
Learn How Springtide Can Support Your Child with Autism
We’d love to learn more about you and your family. Give us a call at (888) 260-1609 or send us a message online. We’ll schedule a call with a member of our clinical care team to learn more about your needs and see how we can help.
After your introductory call, we can process insurance, assess your child and begin treatment in as little as seven days!
Reach out today and speak with one of our enrollment specialists to get started with Springtide
