Does my child need ABA?

It's a common misconception that ABA therapy is effective only for children on the spectrum or children with extremely challenging behaviors like aggression, tantrums, elopement, or dangerous behaviors.

ABA approach is all about understanding your environment to bring meaningful change. It's a collection of strategies and techniques which can be used for a neurodivergent or neurotypical person to bring meaningful change in their lives. It is an approach that encourages teaching skills by using methods that will best fit the child and his lifestyle!

We can proudly say that ABA is not just for kids on the spectrum but for parents, practitioners, neurotypical kids, and neurodivergent kids. Yes, our research is strong and treatments are highly effective for kids and adults on the spectrum but that is not it! Just like any other field, it's expanding and has a good base in using effective training for parents and practitioners as well.

Instead of just focusing on challenging behaviors, it highlights the idea of learning new habits and maintaining the newly learned habit in your day-to-day life. For example, if the child shows aggression because he doesn't like to do something, a behavior analyst will give appropriate words and tools where he can express instead of showing aggression. After all, it is all about expressing the needs and not suppressing them!

-Aishwarya Sawant, MSC, BCBA