What’s The Best Age To Start ABA Therapy?

The CDC recently released statistics that one percent of the global population has autism spectrum disorder. This is about 75,000,000 people, which seems like a large number. However, ASD has various levels of severity and a wide range of symptoms.

If your child has autism, you are likely researching the benefits of ABA therapy. Every child with autism is unique, and so are your concerns. You may be worried about difficulty with communication and social/emotional skills and much more. Your love for your child with autism has no bounds, and you want to help them learn to live life in a way that provides happiness and meaning to them as they get older.

If you are new to raising a child with autism, know that there are many options for help. With a better understanding of the options for treatment for autism, you will give your child what they need to learn to better navigate the world and the people surrounding them.

How old should your child be to begin ABA therapy? And what does ABA therapy involve? Keep reading this article and get the answers you need to make your child’s life better.

When To Start ABA Therapy

Early intervention for children with autism is important. However, it is important to understand that you are never too late for Applied Behavior Analysis. Experts recommend you start ABA therapy prior to the age of three.

Usually, children with autism therapy begin ABA therapy between the ages of two and six years old. If your child begins ABA therapy at two years old, this will help them learn simple commands, follow directions, and develop better communication skills.

These are the skills they will need to prepare for preschool. Older children still benefit from ABA therapy. Often, older children experience ABA therapy alongside their education. Applied Behavior Analysis will teach daily living skills, and social skills, and it helps to alter challenging behaviors.

How A Behavior Analyst Can Help

A behavior analyst who specializes in ABA therapy will begin by assessing your child’s strengths and challenges. Then, they will work with you, devising a learning strategy. The role of your behavior analyst will be to oversee the implementation of therapy by your behavior technician, evaluate your child’s progress, and update programming as needed for optimal success.

They will also work with you on a regular basis to coach you on behavior analytic strategies that will assist you with managing behaviors in your home. Our goal is to create a comprehensive treatment package to allow generalization of teaching and skills in all of your child’s environments. It is also very important that you and your behavior analyst have a strong working relationship and rapport.

ABA treatment is a partnership; you are teaching your behavior analyst about your child as much (if not more!) as they are teaching you about ABA. Furthermore, your child’s individual needs, culture, and environment are at the forefront of treatment decisions to ensure optimal progress.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is science-based, for both learning and behavior. It is a treatment for autism to help children live a safer life and live a life that is more fulfilling. ABA uses the principles of reinforcement to motivate your child by their own interests and strengths.

The goal is not to program your child to “behave” in the environment, the goal is to change the environment to provide your child with tools and support that make them successful. ABA therapy focuses on teaching children with autism the skills they need, while also stopping a behavior that can be dangerous. Therapists can help improve such skills as:

• Self-care and hygiene
• Social skills
• Communication and language abilities
• Attention and focusing
• Play and leisure skill

The goal of ABA therapy is to improve the child’s life to be meaningful to them. These are the common behavioral interventions.

1. EIBI- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention

This is for children under the age of five. It is a therapy that is school, center, or home-based. EIBI is effective in developing communication and functional skills

2. ESDM- Early Start Denver Model

This is for children 12 to 48 months. It is effective for cognitive skills and developing communication.

3. NET- Natural Environment Teaching

This form of ABA therapy is for children from the ages of two to nine. It is effective for reinforcing language. It also helps reinforce play and social skills, all in an environment that is natural.

4. PRT- Pivotal Response Treatment

This form of therapy is child-initiated and play-based. It works well for social behaviors, communication, and self-management. These five approaches are all included under the umbrella of Applied Behavior Analysis. Treatment for autism often has a combination of interventions.

All children with autism require a custom treatment plan, so it is important that you work with a qualified BCBA to evaluate your child. Your child has unique interests, needs, preferences, skills, challenges, and family situations. A child with autism deserves a custom-tailored approach to help them live their life in a more meaningful way.

Do not focus on a one-size-fits-all answer, but focus on what is best for your child and the therapy that your child truly deserves. It’s important that you remain involved in therapy, and assist your BCBA with ideas on the best ways to improve your child’s understanding. At any age, there is a solution that can help your child with autism, no matter their needs.

ABA Therapy Near Me

You are committed to your child, and so are we. At Level Ahead ABA, we offer one-to-one individualized ABA therapy with a superior application. Often, we offer ABA therapy in the atmosphere of your home.

Your case manager will create a family-oriented approach, which includes assigning a BCBA and behavior technician that is dedicated to you. They will assist in guiding you through the entire ABA process, and are available for you if any questions/concerns arise.

Your BCBA will give you a tailor-made plan and design target goals. Then, your BCBA will guide your behavior technician through implementing your treatment for autism. Help and a brighter future are just a phone call or email away. Contact us now.