How ABA Therapy Works

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, reading, and academics as well as adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality, and job competence. ABA is effective for children and adults with psychological disorders in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, homes, and clinics. It has also been shown that consistent ABA can significantly improve behaviors and skills and decrease the need for special services.

Assessment -Identify Skills and Behaviors to Target

Applied behavior analysis relies on individualized assessment to guide tailored treatment, specific to an individual and their needs. It is important to use tools that capture both sides (strengths as well as weaknesses). A variety of skill assessments may be conducted to determine what should be targeted for the individual. These will include interviews with caregivers, observations of the individual, and direct testing of skills. Functional behavior assessments will be conducted in similar ways to discover the reasons that the individual may engage in problematic behavior.

Verbal Behavior Skills – Increasing Functional Language Skills

The Verbal Behavior approach is used to develop communication skills, including receptive and expressive language (requesting, labeling, vocal imitation, and conversational skills). These may be taught using methods of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) or naturalistic teaching strategies during interactions.

Problem Behavior Reduction – Identifying and Reducing Problematic Behaviors

Individuals with disabilities often exhibit behaviors that are considered problematic both for themselves and for those around them. A functional behavior assessment is conducted, which helps determine the course of treatment needed to address and replace problem behaviors.

Social Skills – Improving Social Understanding and Communication

Individuals we serve have typically encountered barriers preventing them from participating in typical social environments. Skills targeted by the program include group skills , social skills (e.g. initiating social interactions, and greetings), and other skill deficits identified through a behavioral assessment.

Functional Living Skills – Teaching Necessary Life Skills

One of the most important aspects of behavior therapy is training our clients to be more functionally independent. These skills include dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, cleaning, and other necessary skills for living a more independent life. We conduct behavior interviews with the circle of support to determine the skills of highest priority.

Caregiver Training – Generalizing Skills to All Settings

Caregiver training is an essential component of effective ABA intervention. Lasting behavior change comes when all caregivers successfully implement a function-based ABA plan competently and consistently. That’s why Creative Minds Behavior Services places an emphasis on caregiver involvement, training, and participation in regularly scheduled training sessions. As part of all interventions, caregiver support is given throughout the entire process.

What is the Evidence that ABA works?

ABA is considered an evidence-based best practice treatment by the US Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association.

“Evidence based” means that ABA has passed scientific tests of its usefulness, quality, and effectiveness. ABA therapy includes many different techniques. All of these techniques focus on antecedents (what happens before a behavior occurs) and on consequences (what happens after the behavior).

More than 20 studies have established that intensive and long-term therapy using ABA principles improves outcomes for many but not all children with autism. “Intensive” and “long term” refer to programs that provide 25 to 40 hours a week of therapy for 1 to 3 years. These studies show gains in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills and social functioning. Studies with adults, though fewer in number, show similar benefits.

Is ABA covered by insurance?

Sometimes.

Many types of private health insurance are required to cover ABA services. This depends on what kind of insurance you have, and what state you live in.

Many Medicaid plans cover treatments that are medically necessary. If a doctor prescribes ABA and says it is medically necessary they often cover the cost.