How Does ABA Work?
There are several phases of ABA, and all are targeted at an approach to your child’s exact needs. These phases include:
Consultation and assessment
It is important that you first consult with a therapist that is trained in ABA. This consultation is referred to as functional behavior assessment (FBA) [4]. This will involve your therapist asking certain questions about your child’s strengths and abilities and the challenges they experience.
They will need to spend time interacting with your child, for them to observe the behavior, communication level, and skills. They might also need to visit your home or child’s school to observe your child’s behavior during typical daily activities.
Children react differently to effective autism spectrum disorder treatment. This is why ABA therapists should mention specific interventions that suit your child’s needs. They may also need to integrate certain strategies into your home life.
Developing a plan
After consultation and thorough observation of your child by your therapist, a formal treatment plan will then be made. The plan is expected to align with your child’s specific needs and include treatment goals.
The treatment goals will aim at reducing harmful and problematic behaviors, such as self-injury and improving social and other skills. The plan will also specific strategies caregivers, teachers, and therapists should apply to ensure a faster recovery. This ensures everyone working with your child is on the same page.
Caregiver training
For ABA to be effective on a child the caregiver and parent need to be involved. A child’s caregiver will need to help reinforce desired behavior outside of therapy. The therapist is expected to teach both the parents and teachers about strategies that will help reinforce the work they do in therapy.
The caregiver will also be thought how to avoid certain types of reinforcements that are not effective.
Constant evaluation
ABA therapists will need to keep up with the child’s condition. To uncover the cause of certain behaviors so that they can be targeted and improved on, your therapist will need to make a frequent evaluation of your child’s progress. Your child’s therapist may adapt their approach based on how the child responds to certain interventions.
As long as the treatment continues, the therapist will continue to analyze which strategies are working and where your child may benefit from different treatment tactics.