Applied Behavioral Analysis: What Is It and How Does It Work?

 

What Is It and How Does It Work?

Applied Behavioral Analysis, also called behavioral engineering and shortly ABA therapy, is a specialized therapeutic procedure that aims at improving and enhancing learning, communication, and social skills through strategic and well-planned procedures. This is based on behavioral and learning psychology. 

For many years, ABA therapy is used for treating various health disorders, especially those are linked with brain functions, such as:

• Pediatric feeding 

• Phobias

• Dementia

• Substance abuse

• Rehabilitation of brain injury 

• Anger issues

• Organizational behavior management

• Eating disorders

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Apart from this, ABA therapy Brampton is also utilized for treating other developmental conditions. However, the use of this therapy for children or patients with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is more popular and considered more effective as compared to its use with other conditions. Experts believe ABA therapy to be a gold-standard solution for the development and improvement of children and adults with ASD. 

This article will deeply explain Applied Behavioral Therapy and how it works. But before we move ahead to this, it is important to first explore what is an autism spectrum disorder that an ABA therapy is capable of treating. 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a spectrum of developmental and neurological disorders that usually occur in early childhood. In simple terms, it is a condition where the brain cannot develop wholly, resulting in impairments of social interaction, learning, and communication. 

Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it has a great impact on the entire life of patients. They face challenges in communicating, interacting and socializing with people in every step of their lives. They feel desolation as except for their families, society often neglects them. And sometimes, they become a mockery. They live a really tough and challenging life. 

Patients with ASD can be recognized in early childhood by their behavior and approach to something. However, diagnosing them is quite challenging since there is no clinical test to diagnose this developmental disorder. But ABA therapy Brampton is considered quite effective to diagnose the disorder.

Designing a Treatment Plan 

In the second phase, the therapists design a treatment plan at the ABA centre in Brampton based on their observations from the first phase. This plan should meet your child's needs and goals.

The treatment plan mainly aims at reducing abnormal things, like tantrums, and improving social, learning, and communication skills. 

There are different types of interventions or autism services Brampton that therapists may use for your child's therapy, including:

Discrete Trial Training- In this intervention, therapists focus on teaching the various skills to your child through structured procedures that involve rewards. For example, the therapist may ask your child to perform an interaction with someone in a particular way. If your child complies, he will be given a reward. The reward could be anything that means to your child. In case your child fails to comply, he will be asked to perform the task again. 

Early Start Denver Model- This includes learning and development through various play-based activities. The therapist will ask your child to perform a play-based activity, like solving a puzzle and playing a block game or a board game. They will also involve themselves to make it more interesting and fruitful for your child. 

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention- This intervention is specifically for children younger than 5 years of age. It focuses on developing and improving social, interpersonal, learning, and communication skills. 

Caregiver Training- ABA is not usually very effective and result-oriented until it is included in the daily life of your child. Caregiver training focuses on teaching you and your child’s teachers about the reinforcement strategies developed for your child’s treatment. 

Regular Assessment of the Progress 

Once the therapists start your child’s therapy, they will closely monitor your child and evaluate the progress and improvement frequently. This helps in making important changes to the treatment plan and making it more effective and efficient. 

How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost? 

The cost of ABA therapy depends on multiple factors, including:

• Your child’s needs.

• Your child’s abilities.

• Autism school Brampton or health organization that you choose.

• Qualification, abilities, and experience of the therapist who provides therapy to your child. 

• Location of your chosen clinic.

• ABA intervention that therapists recommend to you or you opt for.

• Length of therapy. 

On average, one hour of ABA therapy or autism services brampton from a highly-qualified and certified therapist costs around $120. This may vary depending on the factor we have mentioned above. On the other hand, the same therapy from a therapist who is not certified costs much lower than the one that you get from a certified therapist. 

The Bottom Line 

ABA therapy can be an effective treatment option for children and adults who suffer from a spectrum of developmental disorders. It helps in reducing developmental impairments and improving and enhancing your communication, learning, and social skills. 

Hours Monday — Friday 8:30 — 5:30 Saturday — Sunday Closed Get In Touch (905) 790-0777 info@thebirchcentre.com 100 Exchange Dr. Brampton, ON L6S 0C8