Applied Behavior Analysis ( ABA )
Applied behavior analysis ( ABA ) is just one therapy service offered to our kids on the spectrum , but ABA provides support in other ways you may or may not be familiar with .
When I heard Ms . Hallahan ’ s story , I couldn ’ t deny that it brought back some familiar emotions for me as an autism parent . So reader , what if you ’ re an autism caregiver and you are standing on this exact stepping stone , taking the next steps to ABA therapy ?
Brandi McGee , a Clinical Director with the Center for Social Dynamics ( CSD ), shared some behind-thescenes ABA information with me to offer insight for autism families .
Ms . Hallahan recalls the start of ABA for E : “ Looking back , I had so many questions and apprehensions . I was nervous and anxious . I didn ’ t know what kind of activities to expect at therapy , either .”
Ms . McGee confirms that such feelings are common : “ It is nerve-racking for any parent leaving their child in a new environment or starting a new service , and understandably so .”
Clinics , such as CSD , may provide therapy for the parents / caregivers even before service starts to help support the family in what can be a stressful transition . Ms . McGee adds : “ Communication with the therapist detailing what to expect and what the session will consist of should occur prior to the first session , as well as a debrief after the session .”
Dedicating a notebook for ABA may also help you remember and organize comments and questions . When the time comes to ask or share anything on your mind , you can easily refer to your notebook to address whatever you would like to share .
“ Each ABA session should be individualized based on the child ’ s skill level , deficits , any behavior challenges , and input from the client and their families ,” says Ms . McGee .
Each ABA session should be individualized based on the child ’ s skill level , deficits , any behavior challenges , and input from the client and their families
Their individualized ABA plan incorporates a range of teaching methods deemed to be most beneficial for your child . How would a parent know if the method ( s ) the specialists are using are the most beneficial ?
As an autism mom whose son demonstrated major strides , Ms . Hallahan goes on to detail what unfolded : “ The ABA concepts were so foreign to me in the beginning . The daily acts of visual cues , prompts , positive reinforcement , and routine building were almost like speaking another language . Eventually , the ABA language became our family ’ s language . We developed routines that helped E to predict his day . We learned how to reduce his meltdowns by anticipating activities that might trigger him . We were fluent in ABA and loving our newly functional life with a speaking child who threw less tantrums .”
With the Hallahan family , the service took place in their home . Ms . Hallahan observed , took notes to learn , and applied the methods in their own household . She could see the progress and effectiveness of ABA taking place right in front of her .
Just as each child differs in their needs and wants , so will his / her developmental plan . Ultimately , however , ABA ’ s goal is to support the growth of the learner .
Each child ’ s ABA plan is a collaboration of the clinic ’ s director / specialist , the child ’ s parents , and any other chosen support deemed necessary . Such support can be your child ’ s speech pathologist or your case representative from your regional center . If you have someone you would like to bring to any meeting , you just have to ask . Remember , any meeting or session in support of your child involves the collaboration of an entire team !