By Dr. Lara DeBono Ph.D Clinical Director, iHealthOX
Through my years working in autism therapy, some families have shared concerns and misconceptions about applied behaviour analysis (ABA). It has led to important and constructive conversations about what ABA is and what it is not – allowing parents to feel greater confidence and comfort in the approach and how it can help their child learn and develop.
A Snapshot of ABA
ABA is an evidence-based intervention widely used to assist parents and children to help the child learn and develop behaviours and skills that will set them up for success through life’s stages. An important feature of ABA is that it relies on data-driven analysis to measure a child’s progress and guide their learning and development. Each session focuses on how to create functionality for the child in their daily routines, and promotes the development of social skills.
As parents explore ABA for their child, an important point to underscore is that ABA does not focus on personality changes (a common misconception).
The impact we do see on an individual basis (backed by peer-reviewed studies) is that ABA works to teach kids independence, language skills, bathroom skills, healthy sleep routines and in some cases the skills they need to join a mainstream classroom or thrive in the workplace.
Four Benefits of ABA
Let’s look a little deeper at what ABA means for parents and kids and the difference it can make in their lives now and in the future.
1. Teaches valuable social skills
Every kid is different and in some cases ABA can be used as a successful intervention to teach kids with autism the social skills to improve their interactions and relationships with peers, teachers, neighbours etc.
2. Builds the child’s trust in others
Because the delivery of ABA tends to be consistent and predictable for the child, it can help build their trust in others. By establishing this foundation of trust, kids often feel more at ease to explore their social and physical environments which is integral to their learning and development.
3. Prepares kids to be their own advocates
Parents are typically the strongest advocates for their child. But as each kid grows and gains a level of independence, they need to be able to practice self-advocacy. ABA is a key way for kids with autism to have the skills and ability (even if they do not have fluid language skills) to effectively advocate for themselves when they need to in relationships, school, the workplace, healthcare settings etc.
4. Equips parents with strategies
Parents have an incredible impact on their kids’ lives and a responsibility to guide them through their formative years. For parents of children with autism, this impact and responsibility can be even greater to ensure the child has the tools and support to learn and develop to their full potential. ABA helps guide that teaching process and measures progress – and this absolutely involves the parents. ABA provides parents with strategies that capture their child’s motivations and provides them with effective strategies and tools to best respond to a behaviour in the moment.
Learn more about iHealthOX’s Autism Services as part of its Healthy Kids Program.
Dr. Lara De Bono has a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, M.Sc in Clinical Psychology and a M.A in Psychology with a research focus on autism.
Article References
Ackley, M., Subramanian, J. W., Moore, J. W., Litten, S., Lundy, M. P., & Bishop, S. K. (2019). A review of language development protocols for individuals with autism. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28(3), 362–388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-019-09327-8
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing
DeQuinzio, J., Townsend, D., & Poulson, C., (2008) The effects of forward chaining and contingent social interaction on the acquisition of complex sharing by children with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2, 264-275.
Miltenberger, R. G., Valbuena, D., & Sanchez, S. (2021). Applied behavior analysis. In A. Wenzel (Ed.), Handbook of cognitive behavioral therapy: Overview and approaches., Vol. 1. (pp. 637–671). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000218-022
Schechter, N., (2000). Developmental disabilities and behavioural disorders. In P. Dworkin (4th Eds.), National medical series for independent study paediatrics (91-112). Pennsylvania: Lippincott Williams and Williams
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