Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder seek the best care for their kids, but many are unaware of the benefits of ABA therapy. As the caretaker of a neurodivergent child, there may be some concerns surrounding the child’s future. Autism is not a life-ending diagnosis, but children on the spectrum need the proper care to maximize their abilities and live their lives to the fullest. Parents are concerned about their child’s ability to succeed in work, school, social settings, and life.
For years, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy has been a go-to choice for parents seeking the best possible autism care for their kids. This evidence-based, non-intrusive treatment plan allows children of all ages to find relief through play therapy, whether at a clinic or in the comfort of their homes. Since the 1960s, experts and clients have viewed ABA therapy as the gold standard for autism treatment.
The Positive Effect of ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is easy to reinforce at home. There is much work to be done outside of therapy sessions for children to reach the maximum progress of which they are capable. Parents not trained or well-versed in childcare, therapy, or mental health may feel intimidated by teaching a neurodivergent child, but ABA therapy makes this much more manageable.
It is important to note that ABA therapy’s goal is not fundamentally changing the child. Children on the spectrum are allowed to have unique personalities and forms of self-expression in the same way their neurotypical counterparts are. Therapy allows children to develop their communication and self-advocacy skills to express themselves to the people around them better. Neurotypical or “robotic” behavior is never the goal for our therapists. Instead, we want to teach necessary skills that make life easier for the child receiving treatment.
ABA therapy is a popular choice amongst parents because it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The core of this form of therapy is rooted in science and research, but it can easily be modified to fit any child’s unique needs. No two children are alike; they all have different strengths, needs, and goals. Perhaps your child is getting ready for kindergarten and needs extra help before being ready to handle a school curriculum. Or, you might have a teenager struggling with independence and you’d like to enroll them in treatment. Whatever the case may be, the benefits of ABA therapy can help your child live their best life.
Social Skills
Children on the spectrum can sometimes struggle with naturally developing the social skills they need to navigate life, making it harder to make friends and succeed in school. For neurotypical children, skills such as sharing, responding to social cues, and making appropriate eye contact can come naturally, but a child on the spectrum may need some extra guidance in this area of life.
Developing social skills is essential because this is the backbone of any relationship. For a child to make friends, get along with teachers, or someday seek gainful employment, they must first understand how to communicate effectively and get along with others. ABA therapy uses role-playing and parallel play to advance the child’s social skills and get them used to real-world interactions.
Motor Skills
At times, children on the spectrum can experience difficulty with body coordination. Though some may see this as simple “clumsiness,” lacking motor skills can make daily life much more difficult. If a child is having difficulty jumping, skipping, or even writing their name, ABA therapy can help them make vast improvements.
A lack of motor skills can be extremely frustrating for a child who is attempting to partake in the activities they see their peers enjoying. ABA therapy teaches motor skills by setting realistic goals and breaking them down into small, achievable steps. Before a child can write their name, they must hold a pen or pencil properly. By segmenting these long-term goals into small steps that are attainable, the therapist will use repetition to help the child get used to all the little things they will have to master in order to gain their desired skill.
ABA Statistics
Between 2010 and 2018, there was a 1,942% increase in demand for BCBAs in America. As more and more people understand the benefit of therapy and the drastic improvement it can help children experience, more and more parents are seeking this form of treatment. Furthermore, 90% of children had noticeable behavioral improvements after ABA therapy.
The demand for BCBAs and therapists will increase more between now and 2029. This scientific therapy has gained popularity for its non-intrusive methods and proven results.
Board-Certified Behavior Analysts work closely with parents to educate them on the type of treatment their child will receive. Furthermore, parents and caregivers can partially replicate the work done by Registered Behavior Technicians. When parents implement basic play therapy techniques into their daily routine, the child can experience phenomenal growth, sometimes without realizing it. Social skills, motor skills, and communication are all areas in which kids improve through therapy and parental involvement.
ABA Centers of Florida | FL ABA Therapy Services
Finding the best possible care for a neurodivergent child can be daunting. Still, educating the general public on the benefits of ABA therapy can increase awareness and change more lives. Children on the spectrum may have unique challenges, but they have unique abilities as well. ABA therapy proves that a child with autism can achieve great heights if they have the support and teaching they need to learn, grow, and thrive in today’s world.
ABA Centers of Florida provides ABA therapy for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Our Registered Behavior Technicians provide in-clinic or in-home care that improves behavior for school-age children while curbing bad habits. For more information on how we can assist you and your family, contact us today at 877-999-0258 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
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