ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. As it is behavioral therapy, the approach is based on the science of behavior and learning. ABA therapy has been proven to be an effective and gold-standard treatment for autistic children. Additionally, the treatment is also used in case of the following conditions:
- Cognitive Impairment
- Anxiety-related problems like OCD, phobias, panic attacks, etc.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Dementia
- Anger Issues
- Substance use disorder
Aba therapy mainly utilizes positive reinforcement to improve social, communication, learning, behavioral, and daily life skills. Its principles are rooted in behaviorism. Hence, its goal is to increase positive and helpful behaviors. So what procedure does an ABA therapy center follows? Is it effective? Let’s find out.
About ABA Therapy – How does it work?
ABA therapy programs improve a child’s attention span, memory, and social and communication skills and decrease problematic behaviors. Its methods have helped learners gain an improved and healthier lifestyle. The technique involves the following steps.
Consultation and Assessment
The first step is to consult with a therapist who is an expert in ABA therapy. Your child will meet a therapist, and he will conduct a functional behavior assessment (FBA). During FBA, your child will be asked about their:
- Strengths
- Abilities
- Weaknesses
- Goals
- Needs
- Challenges and other things.
During consultation and assessment, the therapist makes different observations regarding your child’s behavior and level of social and communication skills through one-on-one interaction. The therapist might also visit their school or home to observe the child’s behavior during daily life activities. The strategies used are different, depending on the child’s needs.
Treatment Plan
Using the observations from consultation and assessment, the therapist at the ABA therapy center will construct a plan that aligns with your child’s needs and build concrete treatment goals. Treatment sessions vary from person to person and can be short or long. Some treatment sessions might last for hours.
Caregiver Training
During the sessions of ABA therapies in Dubai, family members and friends are involved as well. Parents, family members, or other caregivers are provided with proper training and support to improve the reinforcement of positive behaviors. The therapists will teach you different techniques and strategies to maintain a desirable and helpful demeanor.
Frequent Evaluation
Throughout ABA Therapy, the therapist will adopt different approaches based on your child’s progress and response to various interventions. For this purpose, the therapist will monitor your child’s reaction to specific strategies and analyze which ones are more effective.
How much is ABA Therapy effective?
It has been proven that long-term comprehensive ABA therapy can improve the social, communication, daily life skills, intellectual functioning, and behavior of autistic children to a considerable extent. A 2011 and 2012 study also reviewed that ABA treatment interventions have helped reduce anxiety and aggression in children and adults. However, there is one crucial thing to consider here. Treatment at the ABA therapy center does not treat autism but aims to improve specific behaviors and skill sets.
Wrap Up
ABA therapies in Dubai involve long-term treatment hours, focusing on delivering medicine in a natural setting like school or home. Other new approaches are also based on ABA therapy techniques.