Is ABA Therapy Right For My Child?

According to the National Autism Association, about 1 in every 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. During the past 20 years, early diagnosis and targeted therapy strategies have helped children with autism to develop the skills required to communicate, play, and live fuller lives. Many parents aren’t aware that early interventions such as ABA therapy can have life-changing benefits for children with autism.

What is ABA therapy? Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy or ABA is a kind of intensive therapy approach based on scientific principles focused on understanding behavior, communication, and learning. The goal of ABA therapy is to discover how behavior can change, reduce behaviors that affect learning skills, and promote behaviors that benefit functional learning and safety.

Discover what is ABA therapy, how this intensive learning approach can help your child, and how to get started today.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a treatment that is necessary to help children with autism successfully navigate daily learning skills, decrease challenging behavior, and develop social skills. It’s possible for children to receive ABA therapy at a center, in school, at home, or in your community.

During ABA therapy, a child works with a registered behavior technician who is supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst trained to help break down new skills into small, actionable steps to manage and develop behavior and speech pathology and build social skills. ABA therapy does this through play, communication building, and peer-to-peer engagement in both naturalistic environment training and discrete trial training.

ABA Therapy and Parent Support

Children with autism have difficulty with changes in routine. While ABA therapy sessions can assist children with learning, behavioral, and developmental skills, it’s important to continue to work with your child at home. Consistency and structure are key to helping your child feel supported and to continue to build their skills. Your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst will ask you to participate in Caregiver Training to facilitate this process.

Why Early Intervention Is Important

Many parents may not recognize early signs of autism in their child or don’t take their child to a doctor for an autism evaluation. Early signs of autism may be identified as early as when a child is 1 year old and may include unusual voice tone, lack of connection or enthusiasm, abnormal hand or body movements, difficulty communicating, and sensory processing issues.

Early diagnosis and intervention are important and necessary for a child’s future.

How To Pay For ABA Therapy

Many parents don’t realize that ABA therapy, in addition to other kinds of autism-centered services, is usually covered by insurance. There are state health insurance plans such as Medicaid that fund ABA therapy for young children up to age 21. Requirements to access insurance coverage for these therapies can vary depending on the state, so it’s best to check guidelines for your specific state and contact your insurance company directly. Most ABA facilities will do this for you. Many parents apply for and access the Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver, which is a Medicaid secondary insurance program that is not based on income, but on the needs of the child.

ABA Therapy Misconceptions

There are many services, including ABA therapy, that are available for children with autism, but many families don’t know that they can access these services for early or later child development intervention. Your pediatrician’s office may not have full information, so families need to do their own research and locate the services and resources near them.

ABA Therapy In Georgia

The Therapy and Learning Center of Georgia works to improve children and their families’ lives by offering multidisciplinary services that are specialized for developmental, social, communication, language processing, and swallowing disorders.

Our autism centers in north Atlanta provide personalized autism spectrum therapies that include ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills classes, summer camps, and multi-sensory academic learning strategies.

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How ABA, ST, and OT Work Together at Therapy and Learning Center of Georgia

05 Aug, 2024

At the Therapy and Learning Center of Georgia (TLC), we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive and coordinated care to support the unique needs of each child. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy (ST), and Occupational Therapy (OT) to create a seamless and effective therapeutic experience. Here's how these therapies work together to promote the best outcomes for our patients. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) ABA therapy is a cornerstone of our treatment programs, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our ABA sessions are intensive, typically ranging from 30 to 40 hours per week. This evidence-based approach focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as communication, social skills, and adaptive learning skills, through positive reinforcement and data-driven strategies. Our dedicated registered behavior technicians work one-on-one with children under the supervision of their BCBA to target individualized goals and track progress meticulously. Speech Therapy (ST) Communication is a critical aspect of a child's development. Our speech therapists offer targeted intervention to enhance speech and language skills, typically in 30-minute sessions twice a week. These sessions are designed to address a variety of needs, including articulation, language comprehension, expressive language, and social communication skills. By integrating ST into a child's overall therapy plan, we ensure that language development is supported across all settings, including during ABA sessions. Occupational Therapy (OT) Occupational therapy at TLC focuses on helping children develop the skills they need for everyday activities. Depending on the child's needs and treatment plan, OT sessions range from 30 minutes to an hour each week. Our occupational therapists work on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care activities, and adaptive behaviors. By addressing these areas, OT helps children gain independence and confidence in their daily lives. Integrated Scheduling for Comprehensive Care At TLC, we understand the demands placed on families who are navigating multiple therapy appointments each week. To ease this burden, we strive to coordinate ST and OT appointments during the times children are already at the clinic for their ABA sessions. This integrated scheduling approach offers several benefits: Convenience for Families: By aligning therapy schedules, we reduce the need for parents to make multiple trips to the clinic, saving time and reducing stress. Consistent Therapeutic Environment: Children receive their therapies in a familiar setting, which can enhance comfort and cooperation. Collaborative Treatment: Our therapists work closely together, sharing insights and strategies to create a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each child's needs. Maximized Therapy Time: Coordinated schedules ensure that children can receive the full range of therapeutic interventions without unnecessary gaps or overlaps. A Unified Approach to Child Development The collaborative model at TLC ensures that each child's therapy plan is holistic and well-rounded. Our ABA, ST, and OT professionals communicate regularly to review progress, adjust goals, and ensure that all aspects of the child's development are being addressed. This unified approach not only supports the child’s growth across multiple domains but also provides families with a supportive and coordinated care team. At the Therapy and Learning Center of Georgia, our commitment is to provide high-quality, integrated care that meets the diverse needs of our patients and their families. By working together, our ABA, ST, and OT teams help children achieve their full potential in a nurturing and efficient manner. If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us.

What Parents Should Or Shouldn't Do After Their Child Receives An Autism Diagnosis

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Receiving an autism diagnosis can be an emotional and transformative moment for families. While it may bring challenges, it also opens doors to various therapeutic approaches that can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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In the symphony of autism therapy, one innovative note stands out—songs as gestalts. This musical approach, nestled within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, is striking a chord in the hearts and minds of therapists and parents alike.