What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a form of therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors like communication, social skills, independence, personal hygiene, and more. 

ABA therapy is based on the science of learning and behavior. It is used to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) overcome their unique developmental and behavioral challenges. Every child is different, which is why we provide careful assessments and individualized treatment planning.

ABA treatment is personalized to meet your child’s exact needs by breaking down challenging life skills and goals into bite-sized pieces. Through practice and repetition, your child can become more confident, independent, and social on their personal journey with autism.

 
Children with autism playing in a toy picture frame.
 

Who Provides ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is typically conducted by a team of mental health specialists, including a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Behavior Technician (BT). 

The BCBA observes your child’s behavior and developmental challenges to create a personalized treatment plan. BCBAs also provide direct oversight and supervision to maintain high standards of quality and ensure your child’s treatment plan evolves as they learn and grow. 

The BT works directly with your child, often in a 1-on-1 setting, to practice the skills and goals that matter most to their long-term development. Often, BTs use games and activities to help your child master new skills, understand new concepts, and build confidence. 

What are the Benefits of ABA Therapy?

No two children with autism will have the exact same behavior or treatment goals. When applied consistently and correctly, ABA therapy can help children with ASD:

  • Reduce maladaptive behaviors

  • Increase overall level of functioning

  • Improve emotional and cognitive well-being 

  • Enhance communication and socialization

  • Build independence and daily living skills

How Is ABA Therapy Different Than Other Autism Therapies

 
Teacher showing a child with autism how to use a marker.
 

ABA differs from other types of autism therapy in several ways: 

  • ABA requires a greater time commitment than other forms of therapy – ranging from 15-40 hours a week

  • This type of autism therapy focuses more on functional and behavioral learning than mental health counseling

  • ABA therapy is evidence-based and is considered the standard of care by most US health authorities

Pros and Cons of ABA Therapy

Curious about the benefits and shortcomings when asking yourself what is ABA therapy?

Some of the positives of ABA therapy could include:

  • It works – Both the American Psychological Association and the United States Surgeon General categorize ABA therapy as an evidence-based treatment. 

  • ABA therapy is highly customizable – Each child’s ABA journey is unique, and every treatment plan will differ based on the child’s age, needs, and more. 

  • ABA empowers parents – Parents can apply the principles of ABA at home to maintain and support their child’s progress.

Some of the cons of ABA could include:

  • ABA takes a lot of time – Studies have shown that intensity and duration are key to effective ABA treatment.

  • Results aren’t always immediate – Because ABA treatment doesn’t always teach simple, finite skills, it may take months or even years to master a skill. 

  • ABA therapy can be expensive without insurance – ABA therapy is recognized by major medical authorities as an effective autism treatment, and most insurance plans will cover it. 

To learn more about the pros and cons of ABA therapy, read our blog.

How ABA Therapy Works at Applied ABC

Applied ABC is dedicated to offering flexible autism therapy options to meet the needs of the families we serve. We can schedule therapy outside of school and work hours to accommodate busy schedules. 

We offer:

  • Home-based autism therapy 

  • In-Center treatment options*

  • In-school autism therapy services

  • Social Skills Groups

FAQs

  • Applied ABC accepts 100+ insurance plans from providers located throughout the United States. 

  • We provide ABA therapy in 25 states. To see if there is ABA therapy near you, visit our service locations page.

How to Get Started

Ready to see if Applied ABC is the right fit for your family? If you have a child that has been diagnosed with autism and are looking to receive services from Applied ABC, fill out our autism therapy assessment form.

*Center-based therapy only offered in select states