Understanding ABA Therapy: What Parents Need to Know

Demystifying Applied Behavior Analysis and Setting Expectations

If your child has recently received a diagnosis, or if you are exploring support options, you have likely heard of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. ABA is the most research-backed and widely accepted therapeutic intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

At Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service (MATS), we believe parent education is crucial. This guide is designed to clarify what ABA is, address common myths, and set realistic expectations for your child’s first month of services.

What ABA Is and Isn’t

ABA is not a one-size-fits-all curriculum; it is a flexible, scientific approach to understanding how behavior works in real-life settings.

What ABA Is:

• A Scientific Approach: ABA is based on decades of research showing that behaviors (skills, communication, actions) can be learned or modified by understanding what happens before the behavior (antecedent) and what happens after the behavior (consequence).
• Highly Individualized: Therapy goals are tailored to the client’s unique needs, strengths, and family culture, focusing on socially significant areas like communication, self-help, and social skills.
• Data-Driven: Every therapeutic decision at MATS is based on continuous data collection. We constantly track progress to ensure the treatment plan is effective and goals are being met.
• Focus on Positive Reinforcement: The core of ABA is teaching new skills and increasing positive behaviors through rewards and encouragement.
  

  What ABA Isn’t:

  • A “Cure”: ABA is an educational and therapeutic intervention designed to build skills, not to eliminate Autism.
  • Rigid and Robotic: Modern ABA, especially the approach used at MATS (including Natural Environment ABA Therapy), is dynamic and often looks like structured play, making it engaging and fun for the child.
  • Only for Toddlers: While Early Intense Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) is crucial, ABA is effective for individuals across the lifespan, addressing complex challenges and supporting independence.

  

Common Misconceptions About ABA Therapy

Due to outdated practices and misinformation, several myths about ABA persist.

What to Expect in the First Month of Services

Starting therapy is a significant step, and setting clear expectations can ease the transition. At MATS, your first 30 days are centered on assessment, relationship-building, and foundation setting.

1. The Diagnostic Assessment Phase: The first step is a thorough assessment, overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This involves direct observation, interviews with parents, and standardized testing to identify core skill deficits and excesses.
2. Developing the Treatment Plan: The BCBA uses the assessment data to create a custom Treatment Plan with specific, measurable goals. This plan outlines the methods and intensity (e.g., number of hours) of therapy.
3. Rapport Building: For the child, the first few weeks are about building a trusting, positive relationship with their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Our therapists spend time playing and pairing themselves with preferred items to make the learning environment safe and fun.
4. Comprehensive Parent Training Begins: Throughout this time, Comprehensive Parent Training (Link to Parent Training page) is ongoing. You will be trained on the basic principles of ABA and how to apply strategies at home, ensuring consistency across environments.

How to Know If ABA Therapy is Working

Success in ABA is not measured by dramatic overnight changes, but by steady, measurable progress toward individualized goals.

The best indicators that your child’s ABA program at MATS is effective include:

• Clear Data: Your BCBA should regularly share and discuss the data that shows the client is meeting specific goals (e.g., increased requesting, decreased hitting incidents).
• Generalization of Skills: The child is starting to use skills learned in therapy (e.g., saying “please”) in new settings (e.g., with grandma, at the grocery store).
• Increased Independence: The client can perform more tasks on their own, such as dressing, eating, or following simple routines.
• Improved Quality of Life: The family experiences less stress, and the child is engaging in more meaningful and positive interactions with others.

Remember: ABA is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency, family involvement, and a highly qualified team like the one at MATS are the keys to long-term success.