Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a treatment that uses reinforcement mechanisms to help people improve their community, interaction, and learning skills.According to many experts, ABA is the highest standard therapy for kids having autism spectrum disorder (also called ASD) and additional developmental conditions. In this article, we will look at what Aba therapy is, why it was performed, the benefits, and side effects, so continue reading to know more.
What is aba therapy?
A therapist in ABA therapy reinforces good behaviors and discourages undesirable behaviors in a patient. Therapists employ incentives to help patients improve their interaction, language, and other skills.ABA is classified into numerous categories. The patient's age and goals determine the type utilized.- How does behavior work
- How the environment influences behavior
- How Learning Happens
Why is aba therapy performed?
Good autism ABA programs are not "a single size fits all." ABA shouldn't be considered a set of scripted drills. This usually works differently for everyone; each session is customized to the needs of the learner.Any ABA program's purpose is to help everyone work on qualities that will help people become independent and succeed in the short and long run.Planning and Ongoing Evaluation-
The program is designed and overseen directly by a skilled and trained behavior analyst (BCBA). The therapist alters the ABA therapy to each learner's needs, interests, abilities, preferences, and family circumstances. Goals can involve a variety of skill fields, such as:- Language and communication
- Social abilities
- Showering and toileting are examples of self-care.
- Play and recreation
- Motor abilities
- Academic and learning abilities
ABA Methods and Philosophy-
The instructor employs several ABA techniques. The instructor leads some, while others target the autistic person.Parents, family members, and carers are trained to assist with learning and skill practice throughout the day.Positive reinforcement is lavished on the student for exhibiting helpful abilities and socially accepted behaviors. It will help to cope with Positive social relationships and pleasurable learning.No reinforcement is given to the learner for harmful behaviors or inhibiting learning.Read Also: Can Autism Be Cured? The Latest ResearchWhat are the types of aba therapy?
Therapists can utilize one of five different ways to impose ABA, which are as follows:1 Discrete trial teaching:
Lovaas' technique divides lectures into simple tasks that are rewarded when they are completed successfully using a cue-and-response structure.2 Naturalistic education:
This allows students to determine their learning rate throughout the day depending on the setting of their daily routines.3 Pivotal response training:
Enhances motivation, reaction to many cues, social setting form, and self-regulation.4 The token economy:
This technique awards or deprives a token determined by predetermined actions. Tokens, known as conditioned reinforcers, are analogous to real-world cash transactions.5 Last learning:
The approach is contingent observation, which is utilized in a collection of peers. After demonstrating that a child's behavior is inappropriate, the child receives instructions to witness their peers complete a job.Also Read: Sensory Issues in Adults: Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentsWhat are the benefits of aba therapy?
Many medical professionals prescribe ABA therapy to assist autistic people in acquiring particular skills. The biggest problem is that the treatment does not respect autistic persons and may potentially be harmful to them.Benefits of ABAABA therapy supporters list the following advantages:- Aids in the development of behavioral skills: ABA therapy has been found in studies to successfully allow autistic people to learn abilities. One study, for example, discovered that the initial Start Denver Model improved children's IQ and behavior. It also made their autism diagnosis less severe.
- It is suitable for teaching simple and complicated skills: ABA can motivate youngsters to properly brush their teeth or share their toys with peers.
- This book teaches parents how to teach their children at home: ABA assists parents in providing a teaching plan and a tool to track development, such as; it can assist parents in teaching language by cutting it down through syllables instead of entire words.
- It demonstrates that autistic children can learn: ABA enables autistic children to demonstrate that they can learn and change their behaviors. For some, this may entail training them to fall asleep through the entire night or assisting them in learning to make friends.
How does aba therapy work?
Your therapist will assist you in developing an ABA therapy session plan for your kid, including goals & session length.The therapist will assess your child's medical records and previous treatments. Your family members will be questioned to learn more about their treatment goals.The therapist will also track your kid during the first session and regularly assess how your kid is progressing toward goals.Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) can be administered in various contexts, including family homes, educational institutions, inpatient programs, and community locations.Also Read: Anoxic Brain Injuries - Symptoms and TreatmentsWhat are the risks of aba therapy?
ASD is classified into different levels. According to a 2019 research article, autistic children that are nonverbal or require significant help might not gain anything from ABA treatment, and it could lead to them more damage than good.Another study that looked into why parents stopped their children's ABA therapy found that many quit because they noticed signs of psychological trauma afterward starting the intervention.While using electric shocks for treatment is currently prohibited due to a federal appeal order, some argue that ABA may continue to be excessively harsh for autistic persons.ABA has the following disadvantages:- It focuses on behavioral issues. Criticism of ABA therapy claims that therapists are more concerned with stopping "problem behaviors" than with improving a child's skills (such as language).
- Attempts to make children "normal." Another complaint with ABA therapy is that it attempts to make neurodivergent children behave like everyone else. For example, teaching children that flapping their palms or other stims are inappropriate when these are natural behaviors rejects their needs.
Is aba therapy harmful?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is generally considered safe and effective when implemented by qualified professionals. While there have been historical concerns regarding aversive techniques used in ABA, contemporary approaches prioritize positive reinforcement and ethical practices. The effectiveness and safety of ABA depend on the expertise and training of the therapist, as well as the individualized nature of the treatment. Ethical considerations, such as respecting autonomy and dignity, should guide the therapy. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are important to ensure the well-being of the individual. It is recommended to consult with professionals to discuss any specific concerns and obtain personalized guidance.Also Read: 13 Things to Expect after Brain SurgeryConclusion -
The goal of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for autistic people is to reinforce desired behaviors. It may benefit certain autistic persons, but it is not without downsides and controversy.Autism advocates frequently believe that ABA strives to change behaviors without taking into account the requirements for the autistic person as well as may even injure them.Over time, ABA therapy has evolved. Today, the emphasis is on assisting autistic people to live independently rather than "curing" autism. Tagged in Autism
Reviewed by