Monday 16 March 2020

ABA Therapy: Behavioral Management For Autism

Autism is a distressing neuro-developmental condition that becomes evident during the early childhood stage. The symptoms is easily detectable between 12 to 24 months, and include marked delays in speech, behaviour problem and social development. There is no cure for autism, but therapies and treatments through medications can help in alleviating the symptoms to induce relaxing effects. 
Treatment approaches for autism involve therapies such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and speech therapy. Applied behavior analysis or ABA therapy for autism is a treatment based on introducing precise behaviour skills in individuals. The therapy is a flexible treatment that is modified to meet the unique needs of each individual. The main goal of applied behavior analysis therapy for autism is to teach skills that are useful in everyday life. 

How It Works

ABA therapy for autism is a proven approach that helps individuals to learn new behaviours. After collecting the necessary information, the psychologist chalks out a plan according to the behavior glitches faced by each individual. They modify their social and emotional behaviour and boost intellectual ability. Through an ABA approach, the therapist helps individuals to adjust to normal life and develop skills that match with their peers.
Aba therapy resembles a series of ‘tests, where the therapist asks the participants to follow a certain behaviour (for example, to pick up a certain object or await their turn). If they accomplish the given tasks, they are rewarded in the form of a treat, a picture card, or a comic of their favorite cartoon hero. In case they do not comply, the task is repeated.
The tasks are based on the behavior evaluation of each individual, his/her abilities and needs. For instance, if a person is capable of recognizing shapes, the therapist will focus on training him/her on different and more challenging tasks.

What It Does

Applied behavior analysis therapy for autism tries to introduce new behaviour or strengthen the existing ones, hereby diminishing unwanted behaviours. This therapy is based on an ‘applied behavior analysis’ approach, meant for improving his/her skills. The therapy provides: 
  • Positive Behaviour: The therapists'test individuals to figure out the reason behind a particular behavior. Accordingly, they introduce a work-strategy to teach skills and make their behaviour more positive. The goal is to encourage them to behave appropriately in society.

  • Essential Response: The goal of ABA therapy for autism is to improve the pivotal/essential skills in each individual. These skills help in improving their ability to take part in a meaningful conversation.
ABA therapist either provides modified behavioural instruction individually or to a small group. The therapist teaches skills using positive feedback to encourage the participants.

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