Our amazing ABA team recently celebrated World Autism Day! 

What is ABA Therapy?

By Team Therapy Smarts 

An estimated 1 in every 36 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As awareness of this condition has increased, more families are seeking effective therapeutic interventions to help their children with autism thrive. One such intervention, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, has become a cornerstone of treatment for many children on the autism spectrum.
Continuing our observance of World Autism Month, team Therapy Smarts is here to break down the ins and outs of ABA therapy, and how this behavioral model can help autistic children to practice social skills and master school-readiness. 

What is “ABA”?

ABA stands for “applied behavioral analysis”. It is a research-backed behavioral therapy designed to increase a child’s positive behaviors and teach them important new skills to help them in their everyday lives. 
ABA is based on the principles of behaviorism, which argue that behavior can be learned and shaped through interactions with the environment. Through careful observation and intervention, ABA aims to bring about meaningful change by encouraging positive behaviors and helping children communicate, learn, and function more effectively in various settings.
Many studies have shown that ABA interventions can significantly impact a child’s ability to communicate with others. Some studies show that when implemented consistently before age 4, children can make large developmental strides and decrease a need for special services later in their life.

What Happens in an ABA Session?

If you’re considering ABA therapy for your child, the first step is to conduct an initial evaluation with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA will assess your child’s current abilities, challenges, and developmental milestones. Through direct observation, interviews, and parent reports, the analyst will gain a clear understanding of your child’s unique needs.
Once the assessment is complete, the BCBA will create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific goals and requirements. This plan will serve as a roadmap for therapy, detailing the skills to be taught and the strategies for reinforcement and progress measurement.
ABA therapy sessions can take many forms, depending on your child’s age, needs, and goals. For example, at Therapy Smarts, our ABA program—known as FUNction Junction—serves children aged 2 to 10 in a classroom setting, with age-appropriate goals designed to help them achieve school readiness and enhance social skills. Below are examples of the types of goals your child might work on at different stages of their development:

Playful Pioneers (Ages 2 to 5)

In this early phase, children work on building foundational social and communication skills. This includes:
  • Developing pre-linguistic skills such as joint attention (the ability to share focus on an object or event with another person), gestures, and imitation through play.

     

  • Encouraging peer interactions through group play activities.

     

  • Expanding language skills in a natural setting, often through sensory-based activities and movement.

     

Creative Explorers (Ages 3 to 6)

At this stage, children begin to focus on more complex school-readiness skills, including:
  • Promoting socialization and cooperation with peers during group activities.

     

  • Expanding vocabulary and language skills through everyday conversations and experiences.

     

  • Encouraging creativity and self-expression through pretend play, art, and other creative activities.

     

Empowered Leaders (Ages 5 to 10)

In this phase, children focus on honing skills that will help them advocate for themselves and navigate social situations:
  • Learning self-advocacy and self-regulation techniques to manage emotions and behaviors.

     

  • Fostering critical thinking skills for problem-solving and conflict resolution.

     

  • Expanding social communication skills and using practical language to engage with peers and adults.

     

Misconceptions Around ABA Therapy

Despite the success of ABA therapy, misconceptions about the practice are common. We know that as parents, research is key to finding the solutions that will best meet your child’s needs. A few assumptions that come up most often include: 

  1. ABA Therapy is Outdated 

ABA therapy was developed in the 1970s, and like many fields, it has evolved significantly over time. The early forms of ABA received significant criticism for using aversive techniques, such as punishment, to modify behavior. These practices were controversial and harmful to children’s well-being.
Today, however, ABA has undergone a major transformation. Modern ABA does not employ punishment in any form. Instead, the focus is on positive reinforcement and understanding the underlying causes of socially significant behaviors—behaviors that may be disruptive, dangerous, or prevent the child from engaging with others effectively. 
The BCBA’s role is to identify these behaviors, determine what triggers them (known as antecedents), and develop strategies to reduce them through positive, supportive approaches. Children are given an expectation and encouraged to engage in these positive behaviors by receiving rewards, praise, or other motivating reinforcements.

  1. ABA Therapy “Programs” Children

Another common concern parents may have is that ABA therapy is too rigid or that it “programs” children to only repeat learned behaviors without encouraging individuality or personal expression. Some worry that children might only learn to perform scripted actions rather than engaging in authentic social interactions.
In reality, ABA therapy is designed to help children gain the skills they need to navigate the world on their unique terms. The focus of ABA is on teaching children how to communicate their wants and needs, understand and express emotions, and interact meaningfully with others. 
ABA helps children become active participants in their learning and development. The goal is to promote independence, self-expression, and social participation in a way that reflects the child’s unique personality and preferences.

The Impact of ABA Therapy on Families

The positive effects of ABA therapy extend beyond the child receiving the intervention. Families often report significant improvements in their overall quality of life as their children gain essential life skills, improve social interactions, and develop a greater sense of independence. ABA therapy empowers families by providing structured, evidence-based strategies that help children succeed in everyday situations. Parents and caregivers are trained alongside the child to ensure consistency in applying therapeutic techniques and reinforcing positive behaviors at home, school, and in the community.

Conclusion

ABA therapy has proven to be a powerful tool in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. With its evidence-based approach, applied behavioral analysis helps children develop critical social, communication, and life skills. By addressing each child’s unique needs and providing consistent, positive reinforcement, ABA therapy can create lasting change and significantly improve the quality of life for children and their families.
As we continue our observance of World Autism Month, it’s important to recognize the many ways that effective interventions, like ABA therapy, can make a difference in the lives of children with autism. With the right support, every child has the potential to thrive and succeed.