Logo for Level Ahead ABA
What’s The Best Age To Start ABA Therapy?

What’s The Best Age To Start ABA Therapy?

Author image

Laura NG, MA BCBA
Clinical Operations Manager

What’s The Best Age To Start ABA Therapy?

A woman and a child playing with toys on the floor

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.


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.


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.


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


ESDM- Early Start Denver Model

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


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.


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.

A plate of salad
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Unlocking the potential of a casein-free diet for autism. Discover the impact of dietary interventions on autism treatment.
A chef holding a plate of food
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Unlock the power of omega-3 fatty acids for autism - exploring the link between nutrition and ASD symptoms.
A close up of a sandwich with tomatoes , olives and onions on a table.
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Discover the autism diet plan for optimizing health. From GFCF to ketogenic, learn how nutrition can make a difference.
A woman and a little girl laying on the floor talking to each other
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Discover the impact of a gluten-free diet on autism. Unravel the relationship, benefits, and considerations for informed decisions.
A woman and a child playing with toys on the floor
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Explore the transformative power of probiotics for autism and learn how gut health influences mental well-being. Unlock the potential benefits today.
Two little kids sitting in a garden looking at plants
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Dive into the intricate relationship between autism and OCD, exploring strategies for support and management to improve quality of life.
A man and a child playing a game on a bed.
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Explore the essential ethics that guide Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in ABA therapy, ensuring professionalism and client well-being.
A group of children playing a game in a classroom
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Discover the various types of ABA Therapy, their benefits, and how they cater to different needs, offering a pathway to growth and learning for individuals with ASD.
A little girl sitting on the floor with a teddy bear
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Explore the transformative benefits and effectiveness of home-based ABA therapy for individuals with autism, fostering growth and learning in the comfort of home.
A little girl drawing on a chalkboard while a woman watches
By Laura NG 27 Mar, 2024
Explore the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to foster understanding, early intervention, and support for children and families.
More Posts
Share by: