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Many counseling centers and so-called experts offer a range of autism therapy services. But the question isn’t how many options you have to help your child with Autism. The question is, which of those options actually works?
That brings us to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), the gold standard in improving autistic kids’ social and language skills.
Let’s dive more into this.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Autism Therapy Services
The most effective therapies for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are those that are scientific. You have a short time during childhood to have a huge impact. You don’t want to spend that time on therapies that are ineffective and not backed by evidence.
Trying unproven methods can leave you frustrated and overwhelmed. Your autistic child may then regress and withdraw. They may take steps backward in their learning.
Instead, you want to apply an approach that has ample scientific studies supporting it. An approach backed by evidence has been tried, tested, and improved upon. Also, you want therapy that the Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association approved.
ABA: The Gold Standard for Personalized Care for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
The gold standard of autism therapy services is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Psychologists have been using this therapy to help autistic kids and adults since the 1960s. Furthermore, they are always adjusting and adapting as we learn more about ASD.
Autistic children who engage in consistent ABA therapy see improvements in language and social skills. Parents of these children learn to work with kids in a calm, encouraging way. This approach helps the kid and the whole family.
Here’s what you need to know about ABA:
1. Helps Kids with Life Skills
In addition to language and social skills, ABA also helps kids learn to care for themselves. They are better able to bathe, feed, and clean up after themselves. They are also more likely to advocate for themselves. They ask questions and get help when they need it.
These kids also find it easier to play, rest, and relax (which can be challenging for kids with autism). You may also see their motor skills and their learning and academic skills improve.
2. Backed by Science
In addition to being approved by the Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association, ABA has also been road-tested. ABA is rooted in the science of behavior. Psychologists have been studying it as an academic subject since the early 1900s.
Psychiatrists like John Watson worked to understand why humans and animals act as they do. From there, psychologists and psychiatrists began exploring ways to interrupt unwanted behaviors and encourage positive ones.
Psychologists introduced ABA in the 1960s. The goal was to help foster growth and learning in children with ASD and other behavioral disorders in a clinical setting. Since that time, ABA has benefited autistic children and their families. And we’ve seen great improvements.
3. The Earlier, the Better
We emphasize autistic children here rather than adults for a reason. While some adults do benefit from ABA, we have fewer studies to support its use for grown-ups. Like with any form of learning, the earlier, the better.
We want to interrupt a negative behavioral pattern and redirect it in a positive direction. With this approach, children are more likely to benefit in the long term. The first several years of a child’s life are critical to their lifelong development.
It would be ideal to get children engaged with ABA as soon as you get a diagnosis.
Misconceptions and Alternative Therapies
Another will tell you autistic kids just need more exercise. Still, others might offer play therapy or floortime as the best approaches.
Obviously, we want kids to have a healthy diet packed with the nutrients essential for brain development. It’s also true that high levels of junk food and sugar, among other things, can affect behavior. And who doesn’t want kids to exercise more or learn to love to play?
But the reality is that none of these therapies or approaches works on their own.
Worse, trying to integrate these practices into your autistic child’s life can be disastrous. You want a supportive, clinically tested therapy like ABA to provide a solid foundation. Otherwise, your child may grow increasingly angry, frustrated, and confused.
The dangers of unaddressed autism include:
Increased mental distress and mental health issues
Difficulties with communication
Challenging social interactions
Poor sensory processing
Growing feelings of anxiety
Isolation
Unaddressed autism includes any situation where the child is not involved in autism therapy services. 1 in 36 kids have autism in the United States. Today, only 70% of children with ASD are currently involved in some form of therapy.
ABYay! In-Home Early Intervention Autism Therapy Services
ABYay! is an ABA therapy service dedicated to speech and language development for young kids. We serve South Central Pennsylvania through in-home autism therapy.
We come to you because this approach helps kids grow in an environment that feels safe and comfortable for them.
In the familiarity of their home, they are more likely to respond positively to behavioral corrections. Plus, as they build core memories around these lessons, they are more likely to repeat positive patterns. Everything starts in the home, and we want your child to begin their positive learning journey there as well.
As a bonus, in-home ABYay! therapy is convenient for your family. You don’t have to worry about traveling to a clinic or school. You also won’t have to try to repeat what your child learns away from home once you return.
Home is a safe space for kids, and especially for kids with autism, it can be the ideal learning place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child has just been diagnosed with Autism — what do I do next?
A: Your first step is to relax and trust that you are not alone. Next, find a counseling center that will help your child with ABA autism therapy services. It should also support you on your journey.
Q: How do I know if early intervention therapy is right for my child?
A: Early intervention is almost always right for your child. Any time you have a behavior disorder to work with, the earlier you can interrupt and redirect negative behaviors, the better. You can also begin teaching positive behaviors and build life skills from an early age.
Q: What’s the difference between in-clinic care and in-home care for autism therapy?
A: There’s nothing wrong with in-clinic care. Some children with more extreme behaviors may need more time in a controlled setting.
But in most cases, in-home care is ideal for kids with autism because home is where they are at their most comfortable. Building on skills in that safe place is more likely to transfer to their behavior in the outside world.
Ensure Your Child Gets Proper Autism Therapy with ABYay!
If you’re ready to begin your ABA therapy in Pennsylvania, contact ABYay! today. We’re here to help you and your child with ABA therapy.
ABYay! Offers personalized plans for your child. We work with parents and guardians to help you put ABA practices into place throughout the day once the clinician leaves.
And we are here to support you for both short- and long-term learning and development. Your child matters to us.
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