Studies have shown that applied behavior analysis (ABA) can improve communication, social, and self-care skills in children with autism, allowing them to have normalcy and routine in their daily lives. Children receiving more consistent treatment enhance their social interactions during playtime and in academic settings.

ABA therapy also offers parents support by equipping them with techniques to help reduce stress and frustration in children. Therapy provides ways to soothe and communicate with your child, tremendously helping your child’s life. It’s hard to pinpoint how ABA can enhance your child's life, but here are five skills children will improve with ABA therapy.

Motor Skills

Motor skills involve movement and coordination, like typing, standing, or walking up the stairs. However, for some children with autism, exercising their motor skills can be challenging. In ABA therapy, we work towards making these movements much easier on the child.

The two main types of motor skills are fine and gross motor skills.

Fine motor skills involve the muscles of the hands, wrists, and fingers, along with hand, eye, and brain coordination. Often, children with autism have difficulty with their fine motor skills, which can impact their academic progress and hygiene. Holding a toothbrush, getting dressed, or using a pencil or scissors properly may be challenging for them.

On the other hand, Gross motor skills involve more significant movements like running or jumping. Without these skills, children may struggle to perform basic actions like walking, standing, or sitting. This can often cause children to withdraw socially and experience low confidence levels.

Academic Performance

ABA offers a helping hand in improving children’s academic performances. This therapy can help all students, not just students with developmental disabilities. ABA helps improve focus and memory by teaching through positive reinforcement. Progress must build on progress, meaning that ABA works as a stepping stone for future improvements. This therapy helps implement behaviors and strategies your child can incorporate into everyday educational tasks.

Self-Help and Independence

The ultimate goal of being a caretaker and a parent is to raise your child to have the ability to do some things on their own. Teaching your child self-help skills through ABA can help build self-esteem and increase the chances of success in other sectors of their daily routine. Teaching your child self-soothing techniques, grooming skills, and appropriate behaviors in social settings is a starting point for independence.

Communication and Social Skills

Children with autism often struggle in social scenarios. Communicating their needs and desires, following instructions, and waiting for their turn, may be challenging for your child. However, children will improve these skills with ABA therapy. At HANDS, we emphasize the importance of developing social skills by providing an array of techniques to help your child feel comfortable in any social interaction.

Imitation and Play Skills

Imitation and play skills are important pieces of early childhood development. However, children with autism often experience delays in these skills, which results in a delay in other skills like communication. In ABA, we will work with your child’s interests to help strengthen mimicking skills and appropriate play skills, so they can feel more comfortable playing with their peers.

Are you interested in ABA therapy services in North Carolina? Contact us to learn more about the services we provide for children with autism at HANDS Center for Autism. We are more than happy to help lead you in the right direction and give you the support you and your family need.