Our Solstice team is available to deliver individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and families in the home setting with our Home-based Services. Our ambition is to empower parents and caregivers to implement treatment within the natural environment where the learned skills are to ultimately be demonstrated. Children with autism struggle with the generalization of skills into the applied setting and, at times, will require intensive treatment across various settings.
How Applied Behavior Analysis Benefits Your Child
Applied behavior analysis is a form of one-on-one interpersonal therapy. The focus is to help children improve social skills using principles based on learning theory. Our experts and trained Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) partner with families to promote the generalization of skills by providing the support and guidance our families need.
The focus of ABA therapy is tailored to the needs of the child in the home setting and may include teaching:
- Prosocial behaviors
- Communication skills
- Play and leisure skills
- Executive functioning skills
- Daily hygiene skills
- Coping strategies
- Safety skills
- Toileting
- Feeding
There are many benefits to using Applied Behavior Analysis for children on the autism spectrum. ABA therapy impacts the behavior of children by using these fundamental principles: :
- Positive Reinforcement – Reinforcers are provided when an ABA therapy participant successfully completes a task. Studies have shown that this strengthens repeating the behavior. Through this process, desired behaviors can be fostered in your child.
- Arranging Environment – Learning can be supported best when the environment is arranged to help promote learning within a natural environment. Natural Environment Training (NET) is a teaching strategy that helps to drive a child’s motivation within a structured environment that resembles the natural learning environment.
A core aspect of ABA therapy is recognizing that no two individuals are the same. As such, the specifics of the application of ABA therapy vary from child to child as well. This adaptability is ongoing, with the methods used adapting to the needs of the child on any given day.
ABA therapy has been demonstrated to provide consistently positive results. The majority of those who participate in ABA therapy show improvement in multiple areas. Gains are often seen in:
- Language development
- Intellectual abilities
- Daily living skills
- Social abilities
- Independence skills
- Adaptive behavior skills
It’s common for participants as young as 24 months in ABA therapy to spend 20-40 hours a week engaged in therapy. For many patients, this can continue for up to three years. The process begins with the setting of benchmarks for your child’s development. These benchmarks will be developed in cooperation with yourself and the practitioner.
Start ABA Therapy Today at Solstice Behavioral Health
Applied Behavior Analysis takes time to be successful. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll start seeing the benefits for your child and your family. Building social abilities and language development can help your child engage with the world around them more effectively. The development of day-to-day living skills ensures they’ll be able to live with greater independence and confidence. Reach out to our office today to have your child evaluated for ABA therapy.
