Category: Blog

Technology has been a huge help to those living with autism. From assistive technologies that help them communicate, to apps that keep them organized.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of technology when it comes to assisting those with autism. We will also look at some of the most popular technologies and how they have helped autistic children live more independently and productively.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology refers to any device, equipment, software, or system that is used to enhance the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology can range from simple tools like magnifying glasses, hearing aids, or pencil grips to more complex devices like speech-generating devices, motorized wheelchairs, or computer software that helps with communication, learning, or cognitive tasks.

The goal of assistive technology is to increase the independence, productivity, and overall quality of life of individuals with disabilities, by helping them to overcome the barriers that they face in everyday life. Assistive technology can be customized to meet the specific needs of the individual, and can be used in a variety of settings, including home, school, work, and community environments.

Read on to find out why more and more children with autism are using assistive technologies to help them.

Assistive Technologies for Autism

People with autism use assistive technology for a variety of reasons. Many individuals with autism experience challenges in areas like communication, social interaction, sensory processing, or executive functioning, which can impact their ability to participate fully in everyday life activities. Assistive technology can help to support these areas and improve the individual’s overall quality of life.

For example, some individuals with autism may have difficulty with verbal communication and may benefit from the use of communication devices like speech-generating devices or picture exchange communication systems (PECS). These tools can help the individual to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs more effectively, and improve their social interaction with others.

Others may have sensory processing difficulties and may benefit from sensory tools like weighted blankets, sensory swings, or noise-cancelling headphones, which can help to regulate their sensory input and reduce anxiety.

In addition, assistive technology can help individuals with autism to participate more fully in educational or vocational activities, by providing tools like educational software programs or organizational tools to help them stay on task and manage their time more effectively.

Overall, assistive technology can play an important role in supporting individuals with autism to overcome the challenges they face and achieve their full potential. By identifying the specific needs of the individual and selecting the appropriate technology to support those needs, individuals with autism can enhance their independence, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Technology That Helps Those with Autism

Here are some skills that can be improved with technology:

Communication Devices

One of the most common types of assistive technology for autism is a communication device. These devices can range from simple picture boards to more complex speech-generating devices.

Picture communication boards consist of a board with pictures or symbols that represent different words or concepts. The child can point to the picture to communicate their needs. It’s beneficial for children who are nonverbal or have difficulty speaking. They can also be used by children who are just beginning to learn to talk.

Some of the most popular apps that help children communicate include Proloquo, AAC TouchChat, and Autism Talk Now.

Modeling Behaviors

Many children with autism have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues. Modeling behaviors is a type of technology that can help them learn how to interact with others. It involves showing the child how to perform a certain behavior, such as making eye contact or asking a question.

There are many different software programs that model behaviors, but some of the most popular ones include The Social Express, Autism & Beyond, and Talking Mats.

Scheduling

Assistive technologies can also help children with autism stay organized . Scheduling apps can help them keep track of their day-to-day activities. And reminder apps can help them remember to do things like take their medication or brush their teeth.

Some of the most popular scheduling apps include iDO, myHomework Student Planner, and Time Timer.

Motivation

Many children with autism need motivation to stay on task. And rewards can be a great way to provide that motivation. There are many different apps that use rewards to help children with autism stay focused.

Some of the most popular apps that use rewards include Autism iHelp, Task Analyzer, and ABA Flash Cards HD. Zoolingo , an app that teaches children about animals, is also a great way to motivate and reward kids for completing tasks.

Social Skills

Social skills are another area where technology can help children with autism. There are many different apps that teach children how to interact with others.

Look in My Eyes Restaurant is an app that helps children with autism practice making eye contact. And The Social Express is an app that helps children learn how to start and carry on a conversation.

Technology can help children with autism in many different ways. And the benefits are endless. If you’re looking for ways to help your child with autism, consider using technology.

How Parents Can Use Technology to Help Their Autistic Children

As a parent of an autistic child, you may be wondering how technology can help your child. Here are some ways that technology can help children with autism:

Use apps that improve quality of life

Dreampad is an app that helps autistic children sleep better. And myHomework Student Planner can help them stay organized and on track.

Use the device as a reward

Children with autism are motivated through rewards. You can use their iPad or computer as a reward for completing tasks.

Technology as a model

Many children with autism have difficulty understanding social cues. Modeling behaviors is a type of technology that can help them learn how to interact with others. It involves showing the child how to perform a certain behavior, such as making eye contact or asking a question.

Teach through games

There are many games that help children with autism learn in general and especially learn social skills.

Conclusion

Technology can be a great tool for helping children with autism. It can help them communicate, stay organized, and learn new skills. And it can provide motivation and rewards. There are many different types of technology available, so there is sure to be something that can help your child.

Talk to your child’s doctor or therapist about what technology might be right for your child. And consider using technology to help your child with autism reach his or her full potential.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Unfortunately, ABA therapy is not a cure for autism.

However, there are therapies that can help your autistic child improve their intrapersonal and life skills.

One of these therapies is ABA therapy.  

ABA therapy is an evidence based therapy that can be an effective way to help children with autism reach their full potential.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what ABA therapy is, and how it can help children with autism improve their social skills and communication abilities.

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a type of behavior therapy that uses positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. It is tailored for each child with autism  to help them learn new skills, such as how to communicate with others or how to control their emotions.

ABA therapy is usually provided by trained therapists, who work one-on-one with the child, parents and caregivers to help them reach their goals. It can be used in a variety of settings, including at home, at school, or in a clinical setting.

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

ABA therapy is based on the principle of operant conditioning, which means that behaviors are learned and can be changed through reinforcement or punishment. In ABA therapy, positive reinforcement is used to increase desirable behaviors, while negative reinforcement is used to decrease undesirable behaviors.

For example, if a child with autism completes a task, ABA therapy would use positive reinforcement to encourage the child to engage in more desired behaviors. This could include verbal praise, physical affection, or rewards such as stickers or toys.

Conversely, if a child with autism is engaging in self-injurious behavior, ABA therapy would use negative reinforcement to decrease this behavior.

ABA therapy can be used to help children with autism improve their social skills, communication abilities, and overall quality of life.

Behaviors That ABA Therapy Aims to Manage

ABA therapy aims to manage the following behaviors and challenges of autistic children:

– Aggression

-Communication difficulties

-Depression

-Disruptive behavior

-Excessive stimming/self injurious behavior

– Social withdrawal

–Sensory Issues

-Tantrums and meltdowns

 

What Causes Autism?

The cause of autism is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Early diagnosis and intervention is important for children with autism, as they can make significant progress with treatment.

Is There a Cure For Autism?

There is no cure for autism, but there are a variety of treatments that can help children with autism reach their full potential. ABA therapy is one of the most effective treatments available and can have a significant impact on a child’s development. For more information about ABA therapy and how it can help your child, please contact us at Golden Care today.

Conclusion

In this article, we have taken a closer look at what ABA therapy is, and how it can help children with autism improve their social skills and communication abilities. Every child with autism is different, and will respond to treatment in different ways. However, ABA therapy can be an effective way to help children with autism reach their full potential.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

If you are wondering how ABA therapy can work over a virtual medium, then you have come to the right place! Here, we will give you the information you need to make an informed choice about whether virtual ABA therapy is right for your situation.

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA stands for applied behavior analysis and is a method of therapy. ABA therapy is a method of behavioral therapy designed to help change a persons’ behaviors using a tailored system of rewards and reinforcement.

 

ABA therapy can help to improve social skills, communication, interpersonal connection, and learning skills through steady reinforcement and encouragement. ABA therapy is considered a very effective form of therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD.

 

ABA is an effective form of therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder because it can help them to create social bonds, strengthen interpersonal skills, enhance communication skills, and help them to learn learning skills.

 

Where Can ABA Therapy be Done?

ABA therapy can be done in a variety of places. It does take constant awareness and focus on the person in ABA therapy because it is heavily reliant on reinforcing “good” behaviors. That means when the person in therapy does something that shows they are learning a new skill, it needs to be reinforced.

 

Some places that you can practice ABA therapy with the person in therapy are:

•     At school
•     At home
•     In a store/in public
•     A real-life experience (when the child is ready)
•     telehealth/virtual ABA therapy

 

It is important to note that if you decide that you want your child to practice the ABA therapy methods in school, you need to make sure you communicate actively with the school and your child’s teachers so they know what behaviors are being reinforced and how they are being reinforced.

Telehealth ABA Therapy

In this section, you will learn more about telehealth ABA therapy and how it can occur, help, and be effective for your child!

 

What is Telehealth ABA Therapy?

Telehealth ABA therapy is a form of ABA therapy that is done over a form of digital communication! It makes ABA therapy more accessible, easier to do during a pandemic, and easier for families to coordinate times and therapists.

 

Telehealth ABA therapy also allows the child to stay in their home, which helps to keep them relaxed. For some children with autism, a new environment that breaks their routine can cause them a lot of stress, which can lead them to not give their attention to the therapy.

 

Telehealth ABA Therapy Examples

The following are some of the ways your child can get telehealth ABA therapy!

 

•     Zoom
•     FaceTime
•     Skype
•     Google Meet

 

These are all very easy to set up and use, plus because they are video chats, it allows both the child and therapist to see each other, which can help increase the bond. The better the bond between the therapist and child, the better the trust which can help the child learn these skills easier and faster.

 

Advantages of Telehealth ABA

One of the benefits of telehealth ABA therapy is that your child can attend therapy if the therapist is sick or if the child is sick. Either way, the other participant in therapy is protected from germs and everyone can feel better quicker!

 

Plus, if your child is the one sick, they can do their therapy in a more relaxed and rested space; their home. No one likes leaving the house when they are sick and children are certainly no exception to that rule.

 

Another benefit of telehealth ABA therapy is the ability to do therapy anywhere! You can have therapy at home, at a babysitter’s house, at daycare, at the park, at Grandma’s, or on vacation! You do not have to miss out on valuable therapeutic time because you are unable to go to the office or you are out of town.

 

Plus, telehealth ABA therapy comes with a nice cost reduction, so your pockets will thank you as well!

What is Included in Telehealth ABA Therapy?

In telehealth ABA therapy several aspects are included. First, there is the initial assessment where a therapist meets with the child to get to know them, observe their behavior patterns, communication, learning skills, and interactions with others. 

 

This helps the therapist learn all about what skills your child is already doing well and which ones need support from ABA therapy.

 

The second aspect is included in the therapy plan. The therapy plan is a personalized system and plan created by the therapist that will be the treatment path for your child. No two plans are the same because no two children are the same, so you are guaranteed a personal plan with ABA therapy.

 

Third, you as parents are included in the process. The therapist will give you plenty of educational time where parents can learn all about the treatment plan, the skills that the therapist and child are working on, and how to support your child during the treatment.

 

Of course, the next thing you will receive is the ABA therapy itself! This is a long-term aspect of the treatment plan where the treatment plan is put into action and the therapist begins to work with the child to improve their behavior and reinforce good learning habits.

 

Lastly, the therapist will monitor the behavioral changes in your child over time as the therapy progresses to make sure that the proper goals are getting reached. Sometimes the therapist may have to tweak or alter the treatment plan depending on how your child is responding to the therapy.

 

Things to Consider Before Virtual Therapy?

Below are some questions you should ask yourself or your therapist before signing on to a virtual ABA therapy commitment.

 

•     Does the therapist have virtual therapy experience?
•     What will the goals of the ABA therapy look like in your case?
•     How long will the sessions be?
•     Is the therapist’s technology reliable?
•     Is your technology reliable?
•     Will telehealth ABA therapy benefit your child?

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied behavior analysis is a form of treatment for the developmental disorder ASD, also known as autism spectrum disorder or autism. ABA is a form of therapy that helps to create new behavioral patterns by rewarding the desired behaviors through reinforcement thereby helping the patient to create a new life and learning skills.

 

ABA therapy is particularly good for people with autism as it can help them to bridge the gap in their behaviors. ABA is a great way to help teach children with autism language and communication skills, greater confidence in social situations, and many more skills that can make their lives a bit more comfortable.

 

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

ABA is very goal-oriented. The technician, or therapist, will identify a small task or achievement for the lesson that day and help guide the person towards that goal employing rewards.

 

Every time the child successfully performs the task or the behavior, they are given a reward as an indication that they did it. The reward is generally something small in nature, but big in the mind. Things like verbal praise and cheering, toys, books, playtime on playgrounds, and other fun activities are all methods of rewarding the child.

 

Additionally, therapists look to discover the triggers that prevent the child from completing the task properly. Triggers vary from child to child and can change over time, but they can be debilitating for a child with autism who has not learned how to self-regulate their emotions around their triggers.

 

The most common triggers for a child with autism are loud, unexpected noises, tiredness, hunger, clutter, distracting objects, or something attention-grabbing that distracts them from the goal at hand.

 

Once the therapist has identified the triggers that can derail a child, the therapist can begin to craft some possible solutions for that trigger to help the child better focus on the goal and to self-regulate their distractions and emotions. Removing the trigger or helping to soothe the child are both possible solutions, but many therapists will create custom solutions for the child they are treating.

 

Lastly, ABA therapy focuses on communication between the families of the child, the child themself, and the therapist. Each session with the child gives the therapist a huge amount of qualitative data and information about the behaviors of the child and how the child responds to different stimuli.

 

Proper and effective communication between the therapist and the families of the child can help to increase the success of the ABA therapy at home and beyond when the family knows what to look for, reinforce, and reward.

Benefits of ABA therapy

Some of the benefits of ABA therapy include:

1. Improved social skills: ABA therapy can help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to improve their social skills and develop meaningful relationships with others.
2. Enhanced communication skills: ABA therapy can help individuals to improve their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. This can help them to express their needs and desires more effectively and to better understand the communication of others.
3. Reduced problem behavior: ABA therapy can be used to reduce problem behavior, such as aggression, self-injury, and tantrums, by teaching alternative behaviors and providing positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.
4. Increased independence: ABA therapy can help individuals to develop skills that increase their independence, such as self-care, hygiene, and household chores.
5. Improved academic performance: ABA therapy can be used to improve academic performance by teaching academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math, in a structured and supportive environment.
6. Generalization of skills: ABA therapy can help individuals to generalize their newly learned skills to new situations and environments, allowing them to function more independently in their daily lives.
7. Family involvement and support: ABA therapy can involve the family in the treatment process, providing them with strategies and techniques to support their loved one with autism or other developmental disabilities.

Pros of ABA Therapy

There are many pros of ABA therapy that you should know before getting started. Here, we will get into some of the benefits and great aspects of ABA therapy that can help your child grow and learn more life skills.

 

Research Proven Effectiveness

There has been tons of research conducted that proves ABA therapy’s legitimate success and effectiveness, particularly with children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, ABA therapy is one of the longest developmental or behavioral treatments.

 

ABA therapy has certainly stood the test of time and is backed by psychological therapies that are taught in psychology 101 classes around the world. ABA therapy is a form of classical conditioning in which the child is conditioned towards certain behaviors and away from others which can help them become more independent beings.

 

Specialized for Your Child

ABA therapy is specialized for each patient entering therapy. A plan is made by the therapist after meeting and observing the child. The plan may be subject to change as the child grows and develops further, but the plan is their unique strategy for that child.

 

Not many treatments can say the same.

 

Professionally Led

ABA therapy is led by trained professionals with an extensive background in therapy and psychological behavior. This is not some led by a group leader or a psychology student looking to get some clinical hours for their graduate degree.

 

 

Treatment Guidelines

With ABA therapy, there are no confusing suggestion guidelines, or do-it-yourself style strategies. You are guided by your child’s therapist to help. Plus, you can establish boundaries that you want your child and therapist to have when it comes to reinforcing behaviors.

 

Improves Skills

Some of the skills proved to be enhanced through ABA therapy are learning skills, social skills, cognitive function, self-regulation and self-help skills, communication, and improved independence.

 

Cons of ABA Therapy

While ABA therapy is a fantastic option for many people, it still has some issues that can be a problem for some people. Some of the cons of ABA therapy are as follows.

 

Poor Results

Some poorly trained ABA therapists can give subpar results. This can make certain reinforced behaviors robotic or odd. This is not permanent and can be fixed by visiting a well-trained and certified ABA therapist who understands human behavior, particularly autistic children’s behavior.

 

Hard to Find

Good ABA therapists can be very hard to find, and you must find an ABA therapist who is trained properly and understand the art of ABA therapy. Without a good ABA therapist, your child reinforced behaviors can end up robotic, as stated earlier.

 

Long Term

It can take a while for the results to show. ABA therapy is certainly not an overnight fix to behavioral problems and you should not expect to see results after one session.

 

Have patience and trust in your child’s ability to learn, in their ability to be flexible and create new neural pathways. Creating new neural pathways takes time for everyone, so do not get impatient.

 

Costly

ABA therapy can be expensive and is occasionally outside of insurance, so it can be a chunk of money coming out of your pocket.

 

 

Academic

ABA therapy is generally not offered in many schools. Additionally, ABA is not an academic approach to behavior. It is focused on the response and actions of the child, not necessarily the cognitive pre-thought to the behavior.

 

Critics

ABA has critics that say it suppresses the self-expression of the child because it is altering the behaviors the child naturally wants to express. Critics also say that this suppression could be emotionally harmful later in life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ABA therapy is a highly effective form of therapy that has helped countless individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to improve their social, communication, and behavioral skills, and increase their independence and quality of life. However, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks of ABA therapy as well. The cost of therapy can be prohibitive for many families, and the intensive nature of the therapy can be time-consuming and exhausting for both the child and the family.

Overall, while ABA therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be a highly effective tool for improving the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities when used appropriately and with care.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Are you considering ABA therapy as a career path? If so, you’re in the right place.

Keep reading this article to familiarize yourself with the requirements for becoming a professional ABA therapist, what your job duties may entail, how much you can expect to get paid, and more.

What is ABA therapy?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on using rewards and reinforcements to positively change a person’s actions.

It is a particularly effective approach for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. In fact, many ABA therapists mostly work with autistic patients.

What does an ABA therapist do?

In short, ABA therapists evaluate how a patient acts in different situations and environments through identifying behavioral tendencies and patterns.

More specifically, they utilize their research and analysis skills to understand how certain situational and environmental factors may influence an autistic kid. After that, they develop individualized therapeutic strategies for managing and regulating these behavioral patterns.

For example, a child with ASD might resort to screaming, shouting, or throwing objects when they’re exposed to bright lights. Upon discovering this, an ABA therapist would come up with a plan that would replace the negative habits with desirable traits and teach the child how to use their words to express discomfort.

Because of the complexities that pertain to treating ASD symptoms, a person must obtain several educational credentials and licenses before they can practice ABA therapy.

How does one become an ABA therapist?

If you are thinking of becoming an ABA therapist, here are the steps that you have to follow:

1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree

Firstly, you need to get a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring ABA therapists may want to consider majoring in psychology, education, or a similar field.

2. Earn a Graduate Degree

Secondly, after you complete your bachelor’s program, it would be advantageous for you to obtain a master’s degree. You could directly study applied behavior analysis or specialize in a related area (such as psychology).

3. Licensing and Certification

Thirdly, if you plan on starting your own ABA therapy practice, you have to become licensed and certified.

For that matter, most states require any ABA provider (and not just those who want to open their own practice) to undergo the licensing and certification processes. However, you should check your local requirements since the rules vary from one state to another.

Above all, your level of education and the certifications/licenses that you hold will directly impact your pay as an ABA practitioner.

ABA Therapist Salary

ABA therapists that have a bachelor’s degree typically make $47,000 per year. Meanwhile, their peers who hold a master’s earn an average annual salary of $55,000.

To clarify, that’s a difference of $8,000 per year or over $650 per month. This makes the cost of a master’s degree worthwhile for many students, even more so when they have the convenience of choosing between online and in-person classes.

ABA Programs Online

The following are four of the best online ABA therapy educational programs:

Online Psychology Master’s with ABA Focus at Walden University

The main advantage to enrolling in the ABA classes at Walden University is that the professors specialize in teaching students remotely, including those who are studying psychology and nursing.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Graduate Certificate at Brandman University

Located in Irvine, CA, Brandman University (now known as UMass Global) is one of the top 50 colleges in the United States.

They have an online ABA graduate certificate program that enables you to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). 

Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at PennState World Campus

PennState also offers online applied behavior analysis graduate certificate courses. You need 21 credits to get a degree, and it costs $924 for each credit.

Once you graduate, you can take the board certification test in any state.

Online MA in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) at ASU Online

Although this master’s degree program at Arizona State University revolves around special education and teaching, its principles are built around ABA methods.

Therefore, once you get this degree, all you have to do is fulfill a few more requirements in order to be eligible for the board certification exam.

In-Person ABA Programs

Meanwhile, here are some noteworthy offline/in-person ABA programs that you may want to consider:

• Capella University: This one requires you to complete 60 credits by taking up to 3 courses every quarter. Capella University’s quarters are 10-weeks long.
• Kent State University: Full-time students can graduate in 1 year once they finish 21 credits.
• McNeese State University: You must take 58 credits within 2 years to get your degree. Moreover, to get accepted by McNeese, you need to pass the GRE examination.
• Monmouth University: Monmouth’s courses typically last for 2 years. The requirement for graduating is 18 credits.
• Northern Arizona University: Here, you only have to fulfill 12 credits, and you can get your degree within a year.
• Purdue University Global – 2 years, not ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS): You conclude after you enroll in classes for two years and attain 30 credit hours. However, Purdue’s degree program isn’t an ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS), which means that you must meet additional prerequisites before you are eligible to take the BCBA exam.
• University of North Dakota: You could acquire a degree and complete 12 credit hours within 1 year at the University of North Dakota.

To summarize the process of becoming an ABA therapist, you need to initially get the required educational degrees and, after that, obtain the appropriate certifications.

From there, you can start to assist autistic children with improving their behaviors, create custom treatment plans for patients, and earn a desirable salary while doing so.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized treatment for autism spectrum disorder. But did you know that people without an autism diagnosis can also benefit from this form of therapy? Continue reading to learn more about how ABA works and what other conditions it can treat. 

What Is ABA Therapy? 

ABA is short for Applied Behavior Analysis. The purpose of ABA therapy is to improve specific behaviors, such as social, communication, and learning skills. This type of therapy is based on a reward system where a treat or privilege is offered for demonstrating a desired behavior. 

ABA therapy sessions combine various activities, direct instructions, modeling, and family guidance. The therapist starts by breaking down the essential skills into small steps that are easy to learn and gradually builds toward more significant changes.

Applied behavior analysis can be used for adults and children of all ages in many different settings, including homes, schools, clinics, and workplaces. 

What Does ABA Therapy Help Treat?

ABA therapy is the most effective treatment for autism spectrum disorder. It is the only proven and scientifically recognized method for treating autism with very high success rates. 

Although ABA therapy can’t cure autism, it can help develop and improve a wide range of skills, such as:

• Activities of daily living (dressing, eating, personal hygiene, toileting)
• Language abilities (speaking, understanding language) 
• Communication skills (initiating conversations, responding to questions)
• Social skills (using social cues, making friends)
• Adaptive behaviors (following rules, avoiding danger)
• Basic pre-academic and academic skills
• Reducing aggressive behaviors and replacing them with more acceptable ones.

In addition to managing behaviors of autistic children, the principles of ABA therapy are commonly used in treating individuals with other types of developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and chronic conditions. Applied behavior analysis methods are also successfully employed in classroom management when working with neurotypical children who don’t have any behavioral or cognitive disorders.

 

Continue reading to learn what other conditions can be treated with applied behavior analysis.

Other Conditions Treated with ABA Therapy

ABA was originally designed to treat children with autism. However, it has since become an effective form of therapy for a range of behavioral issues, cognitive disorders, developmental delays, and diseases affecting children, adolescents, and adults. 

 

ABA therapy has been proven effective in helping patients improve their overall quality of life by targeting problematic behaviors and replacing them with more acceptable alternatives.

 

Some of the conditions that can be successfully treated with ABA therapy include: 

• Anger issues
• Anxiety disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Cognitive impairment after brain injury
• Dementia
• Developmental disorders
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep problems
• Substance abuse disorders
• Traumatic brain injury.

Before your child starts with ABA therapy, it is helpful to learn more about the process and what to expect. Here’s what you need to know. 

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

If you are considering ABA therapy for your child, you may be wondering how to proceed. Below, we break down the steps you need to take from the moment your child receives a diagnosis until they can start therapy. 

Receiving an official autism diagnosis

Before you start looking for an ABA provider, you need to obtain the official autism diagnosis for your child by a licensed medical professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or developmental pediatrician.

Most insurance companies require a comprehensive diagnosis and a prescription or referral from your child’s doctor to be able to authorize ABA therapy.

Consultation with an ABA provider

Once you have chosen an ABA provider, you will be invited for an informal meeting where you will learn more about the organization, its philosophy, and its treatment style. You will also be expected to answer some questions to help the provider get to know your child and your family better. 

Conducting functional behavior assessment (FBA)

A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) will conduct a functional behavior assessment of your child. The assessment consists in gathering information about your child’s behavior and skills through direct observation and interviews with the family. 

Making recommendations

Based on the information gathered during the assessment phase, a therapist will make a clinical recommendation as to the number of therapy hours your child should receive as well as the required parent training hours. 

The total number of weekly sessions will depend on whether your child needs to follow a focused or comprehensive treatment. 

Focused treatment

Focused treatment requires 10-25 hours of one-on-one therapy and/or group therapy per week. It is used for children with autism who have few challenging behaviors that need to be improved, such as social skills or daily living skills. 

Comprehensive treatment

Comprehensive treatment requires more than 25 hours and up to 40 hours of individual therapy sessions per week. It is recommended for autistic children who show deficits in most areas of development.

Submitting for approval

The completed FBA and the therapist’s recommendations are submitted to the insurance provider for authorization.

Developing a treatment plan

Once your insurance provider approves the ABA services, the therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan that is the best fit for your child’s needs. Because symptoms and levels of severity vary within the autism spectrum, the treatment plan will look different for every child. 

 

The treatment plan may also include other interventions such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, Individualized Education Program (IEP), dietary interventions, and/or use of medications.

Implementing treatment

Your child is now ready to start one-on-one sessions with the therapist. Depending on the child’s needs and your goals, each therapy session can last anywhere from one hour to several hours. 

Progress evaluation

The therapist will record data and milestones that your child meets throughout the treatment. This data will clearly show progress and help make any adjustments to the treatment plan if needed. The therapist will regularly update the goals and share them with the family during monthly meetings.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Being a parent of an autistic child is difficult. One question that you will grapple with is the different therapies available for your child and the proper time to start them.

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your child’s age and level of development.

In this article, we will discuss when is the best time to start ABA therapy for different age groups.

We will also provide tips on how to find an ABA therapist for your child.

But first let’s get a little understanding about ABA therapy.

What is ABA therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of behavioral intervention used to help children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

The goal of ABA therapy is to improve communication, behavior, and social skills in your child.

ABA therapy is usually one-on-one and takes place in a therapist’s office or in your home.

Your child will work on different skills depending on their age and level of development.

Now that we have a little understanding about what ABA therapy is, let’s discuss when the best time for your child to start.

When is a good time to start ABA therapy?

When it comes to ABA therapy, the earlier you start the better your child’s outcomes will be. Generally, children are between 2 and 6 years old when they begin their ABA therapy regimen.

If you are looking for early intervention for your child, ABA therapy should start when your child is around 0-2 years old.

This is the most critical time to begin intervention as research has shown that early intervention can improve a child’s long term prognosis. In this age group, the goal of ABA therapy is to teach basic skills such as eye contact, vocalization, and imitation. Your therapist will also work on goals specific to your child’s individual needs.

For children between 2 and 6 years old , ABA therapy can help with skills such as language development, imitation and play skills. Your child will also work on more advanced social interaction skills that they need to succeed in school and at home.

For children over the age of six, ABA therapy helps your child develop independent living skills such as toileting, grooming and feeding.

Reasons To Start ABA Therapy After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis

As we previously stated, the earlier your child starts their ABA therapy sessions the better the results will be. But why is this the case?

At younger ages, your child goes through more frequent critical periods in their development. These critical periods are maturation stages in which your child is particularly sensitive to stimuli in their environment. Teaching certain concepts in these formative years pays dividends in the long run

Additionally, the earlier your child learns critical and age relevant behaviors and skills, the more productive and meaningful their time at school will be. Your child will be able to access more of the curriculum if the necessary prerequisite skills are targeted early on.

Another reason early intervention is important is to ensure that challenging behaviors are addressed early on so that they do not have the opportunity to become entrenched with age.

Without an individualized, function-based intervention plan, challenging behaviors can become worse.

The more skills a child is equipped with early on, the more of their social and learning environments they will be able to access as they grow.

When is it too late to start ABA therapy?

According to multiple sources, it’s never too late to start Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. While starting as early as possible is often beneficial, the therapy can be effective at any age. The Leafwing Center states that there are significant benefits to beginning ABA therapy early, but it can be started at any point. A post on the Autism Parenting subreddit also emphasizes that age 3 is a very normal age to start ABA, and many parents start their children around this age.

Westside Children’s Therapy suggests that children can begin ABA therapy services as early as 18-30 months, but it’s best to start right after a diagnosis of autism is given. However, the Hands Center notes that on average, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder typically start ABA therapy between the ages of 2 to 5 years old.

Autism Connect further supports this, noting that most children are between 2 and 6 years old when they begin ABA treatment, which can help them develop better communication skills. Kids First Services also mentions studies showing significant cognitive and adaptive benefits for children who began ABA therapy as early as 2 and 3 years old.

However, Westside Children’s Therapy also points out there’s no need for a lifelong commitment to ABA therapy, indicating that therapy can be started, paused, or stopped as needed. Golden Care Therapy generally advises that children are usually between 2 and 6 years old when they start their ABA therapy regimen.

In conclusion, while early intervention is often recommended, it’s never too late to start ABA therapy, and the therapy can be tailored to the individual’s needs at any age.

How often should my child attend ABA therapy?

The number of hours per week your child attends ABA therapy will depend on several factors, including age, level of development and cost.

Typically children in early intervention attend 25 hours per week, while children in the elementary and high school years attend 12-15 hours per week.

It is important that you find an ABA therapist who will work with your schedule.

The Golden Care Difference

When it comes to ABA therapy in NJ, Golden Care Therapy is a cut above the rest. Our highly trained therapists will work with you to create a personalized ABA therapy plan that addresses your child’s specific needs and goals.

Your child will have the same therapist for every session, so they will be able to form a strong bond with them as well as make progress on their scheduled tasks.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

ABA therapy is a widely used approach to treating autism and other developmental disorders.

But how did this approach come about? Who developed it and what was their original vision?

In this blog post, we will explore the origins of ABA therapy and discuss how it has evolved over the years.

We will also look at how Applied Behavior Analysis can help children with developmental disorders achieve their fullest potential.

The origins of ABA therapy

The origins of ABA therapy can be traced back to the work of psychologist B.F. Skinner, who was one of the pioneers in behavioral psychology research during his time at Harvard University.

In 1938, he published a book called The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis which outlined his theory on animal behavior and learning using operants (i.e., actions performed by an organism that lead to rewards or punishments).

Skinner described the process of learning as a form of reinforcement and punishment, which he called “operant conditioning” because it involves using operants to elicit desired behaviors from students; thus giving rise to ABA therapy today.

Who developed ABA therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy was first developed in the 1970s by Psychologist Ivar Lovaas and Robert Koegel at UCLA.

Lovaas and Koegel were interested in developing a more intensive, one-on-one therapy approach for children with autism.

Their early work was based on the principles of operant conditioning, which Skinner had pioneered many years earlier.

The original approach of ABA therapy

The original approach of ABA therapy was based on the use of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) techniques.

This involves breaking down tasks into individual steps and providing immediate feedback to the student after each step is completed.

This would help students to learn new skills in a structured, systematic way.

The goal was to teach children how to perform certain tasks or behaviors by providing immediate positive reinforcement when they succeeded; thus giving rise to today’s ABA therapy sessions.

Timeline of ABA therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. The roots of ABA therapy can be traced back to the 1960s when it was first developed as a type of behavior therapy.

The original inventor of ABA therapy was O. Ivar Lovaas (1927-2010), a renowned clinical psychologist. He pioneered what was then known as The Lovaas Method, which later evolved into ABA.

In 1960, Charles B. Ferster and Marian K. DeMyer were the first to conduct behavioral experiments with autistic children. This marked a significant milestone in the history of ABA therapy.

By 1964, the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project began in Kansas City, and Division 25 of the American Psychological Association (APA) was established. These developments contributed to the advancement of ABA therapy.

Over time, the field of behavior modification and autism services has evolved and expanded, leading to a significant variety among ABA providers. This evolution is ongoing and the timeline of the history of behavior analysis continues to be updated as new events occur.

In summary, ABA therapy has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. It has evolved into a widely used treatment for autism today, thanks to the pioneering work of individuals like O. Ivar Lovaas and institutions such as the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project and the APA.

What is ABA as we know it today?

ABA has evolved over the years into a much more holistic approach that includes many different techniques.

ABA is not just about teaching children how to do things; it’s also about building relationships with them, helping them understand their own emotions and behavior patterns better than ever before.

The goal of ABA today isn’t so much on learning specific skills as it is in teaching students how to think critically and problem solve.

Current ABA therapy techniques

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy uses different techniques to increase helpful and adaptive behaviors and decrease harmful ones. Here are some of the most common techniques used in ABA therapy:

1. Positive Reinforcement: This technique involves presenting a motivating item or rewarding behavior that strengthens the behavior’s future frequency.

2. Negative Reinforcement: This is the removal of an undesired or unpleasant outcome after the display of a behavior, which increases the likelihood of the positive behavior being repeated.

3. Discrete Trial Training (DTT): This structured teaching method breaks down skills into small, ‘discrete’ components and teaches each component one by one.

4. Antecedent-based Interventions: These interventions involve modifying the environment or conditions that precede a behavior to change the behavior.

5. Exercise: Physical activity is often used as a form of therapy to help reduce problematic behaviors and promote positive ones.

6. Extinction: This technique involves stopping the reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior, reducing the likelihood of the behavior occurring in the future.

7. Natural Environment Teaching: This is a method of teaching in a natural setting and during naturally occurring opportunities.

8. Prompting and Fading: In this technique, help is provided to guide the correct response. Over time, these prompts are reduced or ‘faded’ until the individual can perform the behavior independently.

9. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): This assessment looks at the causes and the types of reinforcements for behaviors to design effective treatments.

10. Functional Communication Training: This is used to replace inappropriate behavior or communication with more suitable behavior or communication.

11. Modeling: This involves demonstrating the desired behavior to guide the individual.

12. Video Modeling: This involves watching a video demonstration of the correct behavior and then imitating that behavior.

13. Behavior Chain: This technique involves breaking down complex behaviors into small steps, each of which is taught one at a time.

14. Generalization: This method ensures that the behaviors learned in therapy transfer to other contexts or situations.

15. Parent-Implemented Interventions: Parents are coached to implement ABA techniques to their children.

16. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): Non-verbal children and adults are taught to initiate communication by exchanging pictures with their communication partner.

Remember, the chosen techniques will vary by individual, treatment setting, and targeted positive behaviors.

 

How can ABA therapy help my autistic child?

ABA therapy can be extremely beneficial for children with developmental disorders such as autism. It has been shown to help improve their communication skills, social interactions, and daily living skills.

In addition, ABA therapy can also help boost academic achievement and reduce problem behaviors. That being said, every ABA therapy session is tailor made toward the individual child. This is because no two children are exactly alike and each requires a unique approach to their treatment.

It’s important that parents work closely with therapists in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when ABA therapy is needed, as every child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will have different needs.

However, there are certain red flags that can indicate that ABA therapy may be necessary in order to help your child reach their fullest potential.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common signs that ABA therapy may be needed.

But first let’s get a better understanding of ABA therapy.

What is ABA therapy?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.

ABA therapy aims to improve specific behaviors and skills in autistic children through a variety of techniques that involve breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps.

The steps are then reinforced until your child learns to do them on their own.

It is the most highly recommended form of therapy for autistic children and has been shown to be effective in a number of studies.

Signs your child might need ABA therapy

Below are some signs that your child may benefit from ABA therapy:

• Your child does not speak or speaks very little (also known as nonverbal)
• Your child has trouble interacting with others socially; they avoid eye contact, withdraw, or behave in a way that is disruptive to others (this includes behaviors such as screaming, tantrums, hand flapping etc.)
• You notice your child’s language skills are delayed
• Your child has difficulty expressing emotions (such as anxiety, anger)
• Your child has difficulty with problem solving (they often act impulsively or are prone to meltdowns when faced with a challenging situation)
• Sensory processing disorder or sensory issues are impacting your child’s ability to participate in everyday activities

If you are noticing these signs then you should take your child to a doctor or therapist for a further consultation. Only a trained professional can diagnose ASD.

The earlier you start with therapy the better, as studies have shown that early intervention helps children reach their fullest potential by improving language skills and reducing challenging behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder,

Techniques ABA  therapists use to help autistic children

ABA therapy makes use of a variety of techniques that aim to help autistic children reach their fullest potential. These include:

• Positive reinforcement (rewards for desired behavior) and negative reinforcement (removing an unpleasant stimulus in order to increase the likelihood of a specific behavior)
• Task analysis (breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps)
• Behavior modification (teaching new skills and behaviors)
• Social skills training (teaching autistic children how to interact with others socially)
• Pivotal response training (PRT): a form of ABA therapy that focuses on teaching new skills and behaviors by targeting pivotal areas such as motivation, self-management and self-initiation.
• Discrete trial training  (DTT): a form of ABA therapy that involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Natural environment training (NET): a form of ABA therapy that focuses on teaching new skills and behaviors in the child’s natural environment (at home or school). It is an alternative to DTT because some children may find it overwhelming.

ABA therapy is a highly individualized treatment and the techniques used will vary depending on your child’s needs. However, the main goal is always to increase positive behaviors while decreasing negative ones.

The Golden Care Therapy Difference

At Golden Care Therapy, we understand that every child is unique and so are their needs. That’s why our ABA therapists take a highly individualized approach to therapy with each of our clients. We get to know your family on a personal level and tailor the program specifically for your child.

Our team of experienced ABA professionals will develop a comprehensive plan that includes goals and strategies to address your child’s specific needs while also providing you with tools to support them at home. Our therapy sessions are designed to be fun and engaging, so your children can learn in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable!

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.