What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a scientific, evidence-based approach to analyze behaviors, and teach new skills by focusing on these behaviors and how they are impacted by their environment to support the increase of desired behaviors and decrease of interfering behaviors.
Is all ABA therapy the same?
ABA has a mixed history as it has previously been based in compliance, however for many ABA providers, including Centria, there has been a shift to providing compassionate care. At Centria, we focus on Compassionate Care, supporting clients in a dignified way, finding what gets them happy, relaxed, and engaged, to support growth and acquisition of new skills in an ethical manner.
How is ABA different from other therapies?
ABA focuses on behavior and skill development across areas commonly associated with autism, as outlined in the DSM-5. Treatment is individualized and may be targeted or comprehensive in scope.
ABA is distinct in its focus on learning processes, data-based decision making, and the application of skills across settings. In contrast, therapies such as speech, occupational, or physical therapy typically focus more deeply on specific domains within their area of expertise.
Should I choose ABA instead of ECI/school services?
ABA therapy primarily provides 1:1 acquisition support for each client with a technician, whereas school services or ECI are more general and have higher staff to student ratio, which can affect the rate of acquisition of skills. Additionally, through parent meetings and supervision where a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) weekly, progress in the treatment is analyzed and revised more frequently.
How much time per week of ABA does someone need?
The number of hours of ABA therapy is determined through assessment and ongoing clinical decision-making. For some individuals, particularly those receiving Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI), treatment may be delivered at higher intensities, often in the range of 30-40 hours per week. Others may benefit from more targeted intervention, such as 10-20 hours per week, depending on their goals, current skills, and involvement in other services.
How long does someone need ABA therapy?
Each individual’s trajectory in therapy is unique, so there is no set time frame. When you begin ABA therapy, the provider will outline an individualized graduation as well as a transition plan to decrease services as they make progress that will be formally be reassessed at a minimum of every 6 months.
What things are worked on in ABA therapy?
ABA therapy focuses on skill development in areas commonly associated with autism, as outlined in the DSM-5, with goals tailored to each individual’s strengths, preferences, and support needs. These areas may include communication, social interaction, play, safety, and self-regulation.
Who provides ABA services?
ABA services are provided by a clinical team. In each client’s team, they will have one or more behavior technicians, who are trained in ABA therapy and work directly with a client. They are overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who is licensed and provides supervision with the client and technician, conducts assessments for the treatment plan, and meets with regular cadence with the family.
Is there scientific evidence supporting ABA?
Yes, there have been numerous meta-analyses that support the benefits. The NIH detail their findings analysis in regards to Tricare’s argument against the benefits here.
Who can benefit from ABA?
ABA is most commonly prescribed for Autism Spectrum Disorder, but many others can benefit include those with developmental delays, social delays, communication delays or disruptive behaviors. Depending on your state and insurance, there are additional parameters for if ABA is a covered service for diagnosis other than Autism.
About the Author
Adrienne Beggs M.Ed, BCBA, LBA-TX, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Director of Clinical Services for Life Skills Autism Academy in Fairview, Texas. She has a background in education and is passionate about supporting clients and their families in their growth in ABA and beyond.
