ABA FOR KIDS WITHOUT AUTISM
July 18 2020
ABA is often associated with autism. The first stop after receiving a diagnosis is ABA, as it should be. While ABA is the leading therapy for people diagnosed with autism, ABA can be used with anybody. This means even people without special needs. A parent with a child with no special needs may choose to raise their child(ren) using the principles of ABA. That’s how I raise my kids. Let's think about it, the underlying principle of ABA is to increase appropriate behaviors through reinforcement. Reinforcement differs for everyone, for some it may be attention and for others it can be a fun new toy, it can even be both. We want to focus on the “good” behavior for all children as opposed to focusing on the “bad” behavior. This provides a sense of accomplishment and feelings of pride, which, really, are reinforcers. Wouldn’t this be a positive experience for every child? Why limit this to children with autism? If we can teach a child to keep their hands to themselves as opposed to hitting or pushing their siblings, all the while we are not yelling or punishing, isn’t that the end goal?
Let’s focus on the positive. As parents, we always hear that. But what does it actually mean. It does not necessarily mean waiting for a good grade or sharing with a sibling or friend tiprovidepostive praise or reinforcement. Many people use the phrase “catch the good.” I prefer “catch the not bad.” Praise your child when he/she plays appropriately with their friends or asks for something as opposed to demands for it, especially if these are goals you are working towards.
The principle of earning is another that can and should apply to all children. This is another way to keep things positive. A child should not start the day with a room full of toys then lose these toys for inappropriate or maladaptive behaviors. For example, if you buy our child a new toy, let them work for it. Don’t give it to them right away. When a child starts with less and earns throughout the day, it motivates that child and provides a sense of pride when he/she does earn. As opposed to starting the day with more and losing when bad behavior occurs. This can be associated with negative feelings as opposed to positive. Sometimes, it comes down to how you phrase things. If a child wants to go to the park at the end of the day, let that child know that he/she can earn time at the park for following directions as opposed to automatically including it in your schedule. When the child engages in appropriate behavior, the child can earn time at the park versus taking time away for inappropriate behavior.
ABA de-escalation techniques can also be used with all children. Modeling de-escalation techniques is a large part of ABA. This includes engaging in deep breathing and speaking with a slow/calm tone of voice when a child is engage in disruptive behaviors. This can especially be helpful for children with anxiety. When a child is feeling anxious, maladaptive behaviors are more likely to occur. These de-escalation techniques can help calm this child and allow them to use their words to explain why they feel this way.
Evaluate Your Child
The Earlier your child receive appropriate treatment the better the outcome.
ABA is individualized to each person. When learning a new sill, ABA often incorporates breaking this skill into smaller parts and mastering each part before moving on to the next. This helps set up children for success. This can help all learners, including those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If a child can tolerate sitting to work for 3 minutes, let’s not push them to 5 until they are ready; instead, let’s set the timer for 2 minutes and 30seconds, allowing them to be successful and knowing that that feels like.
ABA is about promoting and focusing on appropriate behaviors, not inappropriate behaviors. This leads to a positive environment and, hopefully, provides your child with a sense of pride as opposed to failure.
Enrollment Process
Intake
An XYZ team member will help you begin this journey. They will answer any questions or concerns that you might have. You might be feeling overwhelmed, the XYZ team member is here to help walk you through this process.
INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY
We will help you determine your insurance benefits. If ABA Therapy is covered , we will help you determine any out of pocket expenses. If ABA Therapy is not a covered benefit for your child, we will review costs associated with treatment.
ASSESMENT
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst will conduct an assessment with your child and create an individualized treatment plan based on the results of this assessment and any concerns of the parents.
ABA THERAPY
A trained Behavior Technician (BT) will conduct ABA therapy sessions with your child, based on the individualized treatment plan written by the BCBA. The BT will be trained and supervised by the BCBA. Parent training, with a BCBA, is offered and encouraged throughout the treatment phase.
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