ABA, or Applied Behavioral Analysis, Therapy is one of the most widely used therapy methods for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It’s also one of the methods that’s been around the longest. ABA Therapy can be defined as a scientific-based treatment method that applies the principles and techniques of Behavioral Analysis to reinforce positive behaviors and promote the development of new skills. Today, ABA Therapy is used by Denver mental health clinics, such as Emerge, to assist individuals and their families living in the Denver metro area overcome challenges associated with Autism Disorder.
Overview of ABA Therapy
Knowing what ABA Therapy is and how it works is crucial to understanding how it can benefit your child. ABA Therapy is based on research derived from Behavioral Analysis, a scientific field that focuses on the study of human behavior and how environmental conditions affect it.
ABA Therapy puts Behavioral Analysis principles to use through meaningful real-world applications. The method concentrates mainly on addressing cognitive deficiencies in verbal communication, social/emotional development, attention, motor skills, and adaptive behaviors.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ABA Therapy. How ABA Therapy looks can differ greatly from one person to the other. Additionally, ABA Therapy can look different throughout the process since it focuses on a wide range of skills. Different skills are focused on during different periods of treatment.
ABA Therapy can take place in the classroom, at home, or during individual sessions with a therapist. While various institutions may claim to exercise ABA-based practices, it’s important to note that true ABA Therapy can only be conducted by a certified health professional, though parents and teachers may provide support and assistance throughout treatment.
Benefits of ABA for Individuals with Autism
If you are a parent who has a child with autism or if your loved one has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, it’s quite possible that you have heard of ABA Therapy before. Perhaps it was recommended to you by a doctor or you came across it while conducting your own research.
Either way, you may have encountered some of the controversy out there surrounding ABA Therapy. However, it’s important to understand that there is considerable evidence that ABA Therapy has proven to be beneficial in treating individuals with Autism.
Studies show that many children who receive intensive ABA Therapy at an early age benefit greatly and show an improvement in life skills, including self-care, communication, and complex skills such as reading. Additionally, recent studies have revealed that ABA Therapy can have many benefits for young adults and adults.
ABA Therapy with Emerge
At Emerge, we believe that early behavioral intervention has the ability to greatly improve and shape the lives of individuals both off and on the spectrum. We also hold a strong opinion that ABA Therapy works best when conducted in a naturalized setting. Often, we engage in activities that our young patients enjoy in order to help them reach their goals.
Time requirements for our ABA Therapy programs vary from one individual to the next, but generally range from 2-25 hours per week. Often, we encourage parents and families to be involved in their child’s treatment. We have found parent involvement to be successful in addressing many issues, including problems related to diet, behavior, and communication.
Schedule ABA Services in Denver
If you are looking for ABA Therapy services in Denver or have questions or concerns about ABA Therapy programs, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We would be more than happy to help you schedule an appointment and/or provide you with additional information.