Applied Behavior Analysis a.k.a. ABA therapy – a common phrase that almost every parent who is raising a kid with autism has surely heard of! But, what is the therapy? Is it helpful for kids with this condition? What can parents expect?
Well, we know parents are concerned for their kids, especially when they need special care. In this blog, we will answer all these queries!
What problems do children with Autism deal with? Well, they have poor communication skills, poor interaction skills, and failure to process things easily. They often can not express their needs or understand social cues, or adapt to changes in routine. And, not to forget, these kids have problematic or destructive behaviors.
Now, ABA therapy can help out these kids because of its customized approach. It teaches positive reinforcement and new skills. There are numerous successful case studies that show many kids with autism who undergo ABA interventions in Dubai have seen long-term positive changes in their lives.
When to Start Applied Behavior Analysis?
Well, the earlier the therapy begins, the sooner the outcome. As soon as you detect the early signs of autism in your kid, it’s best to start the therapy, of course, based on the suggestion of the certified ABA therapist in Dubai. Studies state that ABA benefits kids the most when they are between 2 and 6 years old.
In What Areas Can ABA Therapy Help a Child with Autism?
ABA therapy can help in
- Improving language and communication skills
- Reducing problematic/destructive behaviors
- Increasing attention, focus, and memory
- Improving social skills, and performance in academics
- Functional independence
ABA therapy for autism is a successful intervention because this therapy can be tailored to the unique needs of the child.
What to Expect When A Child with Autism Undergoes ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is designed based on the science of learning and behavior. That’s why it relies heavily on data collection because this helps therapists and caregivers track the overall progress and set measurable goals.
This is what you can expect from the therapy
ABA therapists reward kids for their positive behaviors – encouraging the child to repeat these behaviors. And, this leads to meaningful behavioral changes over time. For example, if the child is given tokens for desired behaviors or they are instructed they will lose tokens for unwanted behaviors. They can utilize these tokens as rewards like extra playtime or a treat.
To reinforce positive behaviors, therapists use various techniques such as contingent observation which occurs in groups and with peers. Here the child is instructed to observe others performing a task efficiently. Then there is a modeling approach where the therapists demonstrate to the child what a positive or appropriate behavior looks like.
ABA methods also teach children about self-care skills such as brushing their teeth or getting dressed, using toilets, etc. This is done to boost their independence in those skills.
ABA therapists also teach children to use images to communicate effectively. This helps them with verbal expression or overcome speech difficulties. They also guide children with autism to use specific phrases or sentences in different social situations for better communication and social interactions.
Bottom Line
Hope AMC is a renowned pediatric clinic that offers tailored ABA therapy in Dubai for children of various age groups.
Our intensive therapy for autism has benefited many kids, helping them lead lives independently.
The certified ABA therapists at our clinics carefully check the condition, difficulty levels, age, and medical history of children with autism. They involve parents/caregivers in the customized therapy plan where the child receives the best possible support in various settings.
Visit our website to discover more about our therapy programs! Our clinic is open all day every week! If you want to ensure your child receives the best care and support, schedule an appointment with one of our therapists today.