My World ABA focuses on creating an environment for children with autism to learn, feel included, and become more independent through ABA therapy. Many parents do not understand the scope of ABA therapy and what it involves. This guide aims to answer any questions or concerns you may have before enrolling your child in our programs.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy, also known as applied behavior analysis, uses behavioral techniques and principles to change or alter certain behaviors. It is primarily used to improve the lives of children with autism, mental illness, or other developmental disabilities. Some learning techniques include positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, play therapy, video modeling, and more.
How Does ABA Therapy Work?
ABA therapy involves a child with autism working directly with a specialist one-on-one. Applied behavior analysis aims to improve social skills and learning for the child. ABA benefits children by nurturing their developmental skills and improving any difficulties they face with communication.
How Successful is ABA Therapy?
Based on an ABA therapy study, children receiving treatment for 32-39 hours a week saw a 48 percent success rate in the classroom within their first year.
What Age Should My Child Start ABA Therapy?
As soon as you receive an official diagnosis from a professional.
ABA therapy should start before the child turns five. Starting that early is most effective for children with autism, but older children can still benefit from treatment. ABA treatment develops a child’s verbal, motor, and reasoning skills.
How Much Therapy Should My Child Get?
Every child is different. An initial assessment and individualized care plan (IEP) conducted by a licensed professional will determine how much therapy the child needs. As the child becomes more aware and their behavior becomes more manageable, the amount of necessary therapy decreases.
What are the Benefits of ABA Therapy?
There are many advantages to ABA therapy. Some benefits include:
-Science-backed research on aba therapy as an effective treatment for kids.
-Direct attention and time from specialists offered to children with autism.
-The child learns how to manage behavior and develop life social skills.
-Learning from trained specialists.
-Individualized programs and care plans specifically tailored to each child.
-The child is more likely to succeed with therapy than without it.
What challenges does ABA Therapy Pose?
Challenges of ABA therapy include:
-It is time-consuming and expensive.
-Most public schools do not offer enough ABA therapy for the child.
-Finding trained, and qualified specialists may be difficult.
What Is a BCBA, and Why Do I Need One?
A BCBA is a board-certified behavior analyst who holds a master’s degree, over 1000 hours of training, and has passed the national board exam in ABA therapy. These therapists are experts in the treatment of autism and other disorders. They use various tools to help children improve their quality of life and learn to interact with others.
A BCBA customizes individual care plans, supervises treatment techniques, and assesses the child’s behavior weekly. At My World ABA in Springfield, MO, our trained specialists and BCBA work together to give your child the attention and time they deserve.
What Qualities Should I Look for in an ABA Therapist?
A good therapist is compassionate and logical. They should be able to connect with the children while examining their behavior. Good therapists demonstrate empathy and understand the needs of their children. They show patience, creativity, and consideration for the children they work with.
What Happens in an ABA Session?
In a session, the specialist builds rapport and develops a connection with the child. Their interactions involve playtime, positive reinforcement, understanding what motivates the child, and keeping them engaged. As time goes on, the specialist and the child will try different techniques and play styles to learn more about each other, build trust, and improve the child’s behavior through learning strategies.
What is Social Skills Training?
Social skills training is designed to increase behavioral development. It involves teaching the child age-appropriate social skills like problem-solving, relating to their peers, communicating with others, self-discipline, and more.
One-on-one skills training allows for individualized learning, while skills training helps the children develop friendships and social skills necessary for feeling included in classrooms and communities.
Skills groups are broken into three categories: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. At My World ABA, we help children develop specific prerequisite skills before joining social skills classes.
What is Parent Training, and What Does it Involve?
My World ABA provides parent training and consultation. Parent training allows parents to monitor their child’s progress while learning more about their child and the techniques that help them develop their skills. As the child advances, so do the parents. They know how to interact with their child at home and the proper ways to communicate with them.
My Child Does Not Speak. Will ABA Therapy Work for Them?
Children develop different ways to communicate during ABA treatment involving pictures, physical gestures, and technology. ABA therapy is effective for varying levels of autism, including non-verbal children. We measure and teach vocabulary through play programs and ABA principles. Children with autism increase their reception to language and communication with others through repetition and encouraging expression.
What Are Some Examples of Positive Reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding children based on specific behaviors. Positive reinforcement includes giving praise, tokens, a hug, a high-five, etc. This reward system incentivizes children to continue behaviors that bring positivity while learning self-discipline, patience, and other social skills.
Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy?
At My World ABA, we accept most insurance providers including Medicaid, Cigna, Aetna, UMR, and others. Insurance providers take the stress out of payment plans. Through our services, children receive the highest level of care and attention they deserve.
My World ABA Offers Compassionate and Complete Autism Services in Springfield and Joplin, MO
My World ABA is the leading center for ABA treatment in Springfield and Joplin, MO. Our team works with your child using certified ABA therapy techniques to help them learn more about themselves and the world around them. We support your child by creating an inclusive environment where they can play, build friendships, and be themselves. To learn more about our services or answer additional questions, visit our website online or call (417) 818-5784 today.
