5 Common Techniques That Are Used in ABA Therapy

January 17, 2023

If you have a child with autism or work with a child who has autism, you’ve probably heard about applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy is a method of therapy that helps improve or modify specific behaviors and communication skills. This approach also helps improve academic, grooming, and fine motor skills.

ABA therapy can help a child learn how to use these skills in everyday scenarios and situations. Registered behavior technicians who specialize in ABA therapy use a few techniques to help mold these behavior and social skills. Here are five common methods that are used in ABA therapy.

Modeling

Modeling involves one person showing another person what an ideal reaction or behavior looks like. During your child’s therapy sessions, your child’s therapist may use modeling to help them understand the behavior or mood they’re trying to convey.

For example, if the therapist is trying to teach your child how to hold a marker, they will spend time modeling how to position and hold the marker correctly.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement means giving someone a reward or praise to encourage them to keep up their good behavior. The rewards or praises need to be followed up by good behavior so that the child will associate the positive reinforcement with good conduct, thus increasing the rewarded behavior.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Discrete trial training (DTT) is one of the most popular teaching strategies in ABA therapy. This teaching method involves breaking down skills or lessons into small elements. The therapist will introduce each task component to your child one at a time. Your child will then get positive reinforcement after every step they do correctly.

Pivotal Response Training

Pivotal response training (PRT) is an alternative to ABA therapy that’s based on the idea that key behaviors can trigger other behaviors. Therapists using PRT focus on these key behaviors instead of looking at specific actions. PRT is often done through social engagements or gameplay.

Picture Exchange Communications Teaching

Young children in ABA therapy typically struggle with expressing their feelings and desires. Picture exchange communications training is an ABA technique that uses cards with graphics that convey everyday situations and terms. This helps children who struggle with communicating, as they can point to the picture and learn words over time.

Overall, ABA therapy is a flexible treatment with many methods and techniques to help children strive toward positive behaviors and improve communication skills. HANDS Center for Autism offers center-based ABA therapy in North Carolina. Our team is dedicated to helping every child improve their skills and supporting parents along the way.

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Searching for the right ABA therapy practice can often be overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available in Charlotte. Knowing the right questions to ask can ensure that your family finds the best fit for your child. ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach that utilizes positive reinforcement to develop social-emotional, regulation, and daily living skills in individuals with autism. If you are searching for an ABA therapy practice in Charlotte, the following guidelines can help make the process easier for your family. Does this Practice Fall Within Your Family's Needs? One of the first things to consider when searching for an ABA provider is whether they can service your child and meet your family's needs. There are a few logistical factors that play a major role in determining whether a practice is a practical fit. Some key factors to consider include: Insurance coverage and accepted plans Age range serviced Proximity to your home Scheduling options and service availability Starting with this information will help narrow your search to practices that fit within the scope of your family's needs. Clinical Approach and Standards An ethical ABA practice will focus on individualized, compassionate, and client-centered care. Beware of one-size-fits-all or cookie-cutter programs with mandatory hours. All treatment plans and clinical hours should be determined through the assessment completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). When considering a practice's clinical approach, look for: Assent-based care that focuses on the child's autonomy Positive reinforcement strategies, not punishment Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and play-based approach Neurodiversity-affirming values Credentialed and Experienced Staff A reputable ABA center will maintain qualified and credentialed staff with robust training and supervision. Look for a practice that has: Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) who are master's-level clinicians that administer the assessments, create the treatment plan, and supervise therapy sessions Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) who provide 1:1 therapy under the supervision of the BCBA Comprehensive training with ongoing skill development opportunities for staff Supervision and clinical support from on-site BCBAs At HANDS, our technicians complete extensive onboarding training prior to working one-to-one with clients. In addition to the standard training, our team provides HANDS-specific training to all staff members to ensure consistent, quality care. We also maintain 100% clinical support from on-site BCBAs.
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