Although Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and other forms of therapy typically have the same goals for helping children with autism, their methods differ greatly.
While many forms of therapy focus on the child’s past or their reasons for their actions or attempt to change the child’s reasoning or opinions, ABA therapy is primarily concerned with the child’s observable behavior.
ABA therapy is grounded in the idea that all behavior is shaped by its environment. By analyzing the environment and employing positive reinforcement, ABA therapy addresses behavioral issues directly, as opposed to traditional therapy that addresses behavioral issues indirectly.
“Our goal is to use ABA therapy to help children learn positive behaviors like good communication, social skills, and academic engagement,” said David Mikula, CEO of Inner Circle Autism Network. “We do this by directly addressing behavioral issues that negatively impact a child’s ability to live independently in every area of their life.”
ABA therapy aims to instill positive behaviors into the child’s life by applying Behavior Analysis and positive reinforcement during sessions.
By focusing on the cause of certain behaviors, the behaviors themselves, and what immediately follows those behaviors, ABA therapists construct programs designed to reward positive behaviors. This leads to positive behaviors occurring more frequently, and eventually becoming learned skills that positively impact the child’s way of life.
Learn more about ABA therapy here.