What Parents Should Know When Discussing Aba Treatment Plans

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-based behavior therapy for children with autism and other developmental disorders. As a treatment is has proven to be highly successfull, but much of that success depends on a parent’s involvement in the child’s journey. They have to be fully aware of the critical steps of preparing for the therapy, the core principles, and how to create a supportive environment. Read on to find out everything you need to know about ABA therapy and parents' roles in ensuring its success. 

Understanding ABA Therapy 

When considering ABA therapy, the first thing parents need to learn is what it means and how it can impact a child’s life. ABA focuses on improving behaviors like communication, social skills, daily living activities, and others through therapy. It is one of the most common approaches to managing autism as it has over 89% success rate and high effectiveness in improving IQ scores, communications, and several other social skills of children living with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Due to this, it has garnered significant recognition and is preferred by parents and caregivers. 

Several strategies are employed to achieve the desired results in this treatment plan, such as positive reinforcement and A-B-Cs. Positive reinforcement uses reward mechanisms to drive certain behaviors in children with ASD. This strategy aims to encourage positive attitudes in the long term. The A-B-Cs stand for antecedent, behavior, and consequence. The antecedent is what happens before the behavior occurs; the behavior is the individual’s response to this occurrence, while the consequence is what happens after the reaction, which can reinforce or discourage it. This model is used to analyze patterns in behavior and develop strategies to encourage positive ones while reducing negative ones. ABA therapy follows prolonged usage of such models to improve everyday interaction and behavior among children with ASD. 

Key Components of ABA Treatment

This therapy occurs in steps and mostly starts with assessments. That is, evaluating your child’s strengths and challenges. Individuals who have ASD have varying challenges, and ABA isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. The approach has to be tailored to each child’s needs. The individualization step is creating specific, measurable objectives addressing your child’s challenges. 

At the same time, these approaches should also leverage your child’s strengths and improve on them. After this, the establishment should give you a clear explanation of the techniques and activities that will be involved in the processes. It is your job as a parent to follow up on the progress with the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), ask questions, and contribute to learning at home. The results of this therapy are not 100% reliant on the BCBA as environmental factors coupled with this treatment give varying results. 

Cost and Insurance 

Taking care of a child with autism comes with financial responsibilities, and ABA therapy costs are one of them. The treatment can be expensive and vary based on the intensity, duration, and severity of the child’s condition. However, there are ways around this. Many insurance plans cover ABA therapy, especially for children diagnosed with ASD. As of 2024, all 50 states in the US have passed legislation for these companies to cover the treatment. The amount covered, however, may vary based on state laws and medical necessities. This makes it very important to check how much assistance you’re eligible for when starting.

Choosing the Right Provider 

There is a lot to consider when choosing a provider for your child’s treatment. The most important is licensing. Work with reputable providers who have board-certified behavior analysts on staff. These individuals should also have experience working with children with needs similar to your child's. You can also conduct assessments by asking other parents and checking for online reviews. Lastly, prioritize ethical providers whose approach considers the dignity and rights of the individual.

Monitoring Progress 

Parental involvement is key for ABA treatments. You should be able to monitor your child’s progress at home and communicate regularly with the therapists. Ensure you are up-to-date on the latest techniques and research, and reinforce learned behaviors at home to improve your child’s progress. Many ABA providers allow parents to observe sessions in person or via video and it’s a good idea to try this as it will help you understand the techniques used and how the child responds. Importantly, if a child appears overly distressed, frustrated, or resistant to therapy, you should discuss your concerns with the ABA team so they can adjust the approach. Remember, you are your child’s first and everyday contact, and they rely on you for guidance and support. 

Personalizing ABA Plans for Better Results 

Individuality is one key part of success in ABA treatment, and it is the parent’s responsibility to get a clear picture of their child’s health. A well-tailored treatment plan is the best route to improving the child’s weaknesses and maximizing their strengths. Ensure that your provider keeps you in the loop through assessment and feedback, and from your side, ensure you regularly update them on improvements or issues. 

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source https://www.disabilityhelp.org/what-parents-should-know-when-discussing-aba-treatment-plans/