An ABA therapy session is built around an individualized treatment plan and may include structured learning activities, play, communication practice, daily living skills, and opportunities to practice behaviors in real-world situations. Therapists also collect data throughout sessions so the treatment plan can be adjusted as the child progresses. Learn more about what happens during ABA therapy.
FAQ Category: ABA Therapy
ABA therapists may use techniques such as positive reinforcement, Discrete Trial Training, Functional Communication Training, Natural Environment Teaching, task analysis, and chaining. The technique used depends on the child’s individual goals and may help develop communication, social, safety, self-care, or everyday living skills. See practical examples of ABA therapy techniques to understand how these strategies can look during everyday activities.
The seven dimensions traditionally used to define Applied Behavior Analysis are Applied, Behavioral, Analytic, Technological, Conceptually Systematic, Effective, and Generality. Together, these principles help guide how ABA programs are designed, measured, implemented, and evaluated. Learn more about the seven requirements of ABA therapy.
A Functional Behavior Assessment, or FBA, is a process used to better understand why a behavior occurs. ABA professionals consider what happens before and after a behavior, patterns in when it occurs, and what purpose the behavior may serve. That information can then help guide individualized strategies and teach more effective replacement skills. Learn more about Functional Behavior Assessments in ABA therapy.
Positive reinforcement involves providing a meaningful response or reward after a desired skill or behavior occurs, increasing the likelihood that the behavior will happen again. Reinforcement can include praise, access to a preferred activity, toys, or other things that are meaningful to the individual. Learn more about positive and negative reinforcement in ABA therapy.
Parents can look at a provider’s credentials, experience, approach to individualized treatment, family involvement, and methods for measuring progress. Families may also verify professional credentials through resources such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and ask prospective providers who will supervise treatment and how goals are developed. This guide to finding a qualified ABA provider explains what families should consider when comparing their options.
An individualized ABA program may focus on areas such as communication, social interaction, daily living skills, independence, learning, and behaviors that interfere with everyday activities or safety. Because ABA is individualized, goals and outcomes vary considerably from one child to another. Learn more about the potential benefits of ABA therapy for children with autism.