As you know, there is quite an emotional and somewhat confusing path from detecting the first possible symptom of autism, to receiving a diagnosis, to digesting your emotions, figuring out the best course for your child and, finally, enrolling your child in ABA services. But what now? What should you expect during ABA services?
Throughout the course of ABA therapy, your child will work with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as well as a Behavior Technician. The BCBA initially meets with you, assesses your child, creates a treatment plan and creates a Behavior Intervention Plan. The Behavior Technician works with your child, following the programs from the treatment plan and is supervised by the BCBA. Parent training will be conducted y the BCBA to focus on helping you carry out the programs in home. Parent training also helps you with strategies for inappropriate behaviors while increasing appropriate behaviors and address concerns that you have in the home.
Your child’s treatment program will continue to be updated continuously, as new assessments are conducted and new programs and goals will be added. The BCBA will work with you throughout the ABA therapy and consult with you about these programs. Any questions/concerns can always be addressed. The BCBA will also collaborate with your child’s teacher and any other therapists, including speech therapy and occupational therapy to ensure the best treatment for your child.
You may notice that your child independently engages in skills that he previously needed help with or engages in more verbal behavior. These changes may be subtle or they may take you by surprise one day. You will see progress in your child. You may feel super psyched on day and maybe even a little overwhelmed on others. It is all normal, and it is all with your child’s best interest in mind.
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