Helping Children Meet Their Full Potential Faster
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is one of the most popular forms of therapy for persons with ASD. It is the brainchild of Dr. Ivar Lovaas in 1980 and is derived from the branch of psychology known as Behaviorism. It is a scientifically proven and evidence-based therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors such as communication, social skills, life skills, reading, and so on. Based on the need of each person who is unique in their own way, ABA therapy can be performed either in one-on-one therapy or group therapy. It has been seen that ABA therapy results in an improvement of skills and behaviors and leads to a decline in the need for special services.
ABA is primarily used by therapists and Autism centers because it works. Scientific evidence over the years point to the understanding that ABA is more effective than other forms of therapy. Many studies/cases documented in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and other journals are evidence of the good work achieved via ABA. ABA teaches various skills, independence, vocalization & speaking up, life skills such as getting dressed or using the bathroom, and the skills required as adults who are contributing members of society including holding jobs.
Its efficacy is best when the diagnostic process and treatment begin as early as possible. “Catching them young” adage definitely applies to ABA therapy and those on the spectrum. Young children diagnosed get the maximum benefit from ABA or for that matter from other therapies, in the long run. To get the maximum benefit from ABA, a child / young adult needs extensive one-on-one therapy for a certain number of hours per week, which are carried forward by the parents, families, and caregivers.
