The new school year is in full swing and fall is starting to show in some areas of the country with beautiful multi-colored leaves falling from trees and huge orange pumpkins scattered about on porches and patches. The coolness of the air is welcomed in places where the heat has been bearing down all summer. As fall gears up, so are our kids’ schedules. They are extremely busy with classes, homework, therapies and any other after-school activities.

During this time of year, I like to look at various therapies that are out there that can assist our children with not only speech and development but also social skills and an all-around healthy environment.

Over the next few blog posts, I will share several therapies that are pretty familiar but some that many parents and caregivers may not know about. This is not only helpful for new parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with ASD but also for those who may need a refresher or want to learn something new on what is out there for our kids.

One of my favorite therapies is Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA. I had a lot of success with my son in the past with this particular therapy and he has just started ABA again this past summer. Once again, we are seeing excellent results from the therapy such as improved focus, speech and social skills.

One of the things I love about ABA is that it can be utilized in the home, clinic, classroom with other therapies and in the community. For those of you who do not know about ABA, it is an intensive therapy, “Based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning. ABA helps to increase language and communication skills, improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics.” (https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis-aba.)

One of the main points that assists our children in ABA is the fact that it utilizes a positive reinforcement system.  As a child demonstrates good behaviors and/or learning habits, they receive something valued like a reward.  The reward is suited for your child, be it a snack, music, swings, hugs or a huge high-five. Whatever is meaningful will be used as a positive reinforcement.

As I’ve said before, this therapy has been a God sent gift for our family because we have seen so much progress with our son. I’ve also known countless families it has helped as well. The therapy is usually done between 10 to 40 hours a week to receive the most benefits. In many states, insurance will cover some or most of the cost.  Since it is such an intensive therapy, it took many years for insurance to cover ABA in the US. Now it has become easier to receive services; this is mostly due to the success ABA has had with children on the spectrum.

If you haven’t tried Applied Behavior Analysis, I think it is a great therapy to start with in correlation with Speech if possible.   My son’s speech and ABA therapists are able to connect and it makes his learning experience so much more productive.

*Please check the resource page for websites to find ABA providers in your area.