Overview of ABA Therapy

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy?

ABA therapy is evidence-based interventions that help individuals learn important skills and reduce challenging behaviors. ABA is most commonly associated with autism, but research supports its effectiveness across different developmental disabilities or behavioral health needs.

ABA therapy is based on learning and behavior principles

The focus is on teaching functional skills and reducing behaviors that can disrupt daily life. It can be used for individuals with different diagnoses like Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, or Intellectual Disabilities.

Overall Goal: Enhance Quality of Life

The main goal of ABA therapy is to enhance the person’s quality of life by helping them acquire essential skills and reduce problem behaviors. It uses strategies such as positive reinforcement and behavior shaping.

Personalized Therapies

ABA therapy is personalized to each person’s needs and goals. It can address areas like communication, social skills, adaptive behaviors, academics, and independent living skills.

Customizable Sessions

Sessions can be one-on-one or in groups, depending on the individual’s needs. Our staff closely collaborates with the individual, caregivers, and other professionals to create a supportive environment.

Tailored to Your Unique Needs

It’s important to note that ABA therapy is tailored to each person’s unique characteristics and needs. Treatment plans are regularly assessed and adjusted based on progress.

Meaningful Skills

ABA therapy provides a structured and evidence-based approach to help individuals of all ages and diagnoses acquire meaningful skills, foster independence, and improve their overall quality of life.

Assessment, Planning, & Targeted Strategies

The process involves thorough assessment and personalized treatment planning. Challenging behaviors are addressed with targeted strategies, while new skills are taught using proven methods. Progress is tracked through data collection, and support is provided to parents and caregivers for consistency at home. Skills are practiced in different settings, and collaboration with other professionals ensures comprehensive support.

Data-Driven & Collaborative

The approach is personalized, data-driven, and collaborative, aiming to help individuals achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.

Comprehensive vs Focused ABA Therapy

Paragon offers both comprehensive and focused ABA therapy models.. Here’s a comparison:

Comprehensive ABA Therapy

Scope

Covers a broad range of skill areas and targets various domains like communication, socialization, behavior reduction, learning readiness, and daily living skills.

Intensity

Involves a higher number of direct therapy hours per week (30 to 40 hours plus indirect supervision and caregiver training) for more consistent and frequent intervention.

Duration

Provided over an extended period, ranging from several months to years.

Individualization

Treatment plans are highly personalized based on individual strengths, challenges, and goals, with ongoing adjustments based on assessment and data analysis.

Collaboration

Involves collaboration with family, school personnel, and other service providers for an in-depth coordinated approach.

Focused ABA Therapy

Scope

Concentrates on specific skill areas or behaviors, with treatment often directed to current challenges or barriers.

Intensity

This typically involves fewer therapy hours per week (10 to 25 hours), focusing on specific goals in a concentrated manner.

Duration

Often implemented for a shorter period, but it depends on the complexity of the goals and progress made.

Individualization

Treatment plans are highly personalized based on individual strengths, challenges, and goals, with ongoing adjustments based on assessment and data analysis. However, these treatment plans are typically centered around current challenges or barriers.

Collaboration

Collaboration with stakeholders still occurs, but the focus is more concentrated on the targeted goals.

Which one is right for my child?

Both comprehensive and focused ABA therapy services have their advantages and are chosen based on the individual’s needs, goals, and available resources. The decision between the two approaches depends on the assessment of needs and desired outcomes of the intervention. However, research has consistently shown that comprehensive ABA therapy tends to yield the greatest long-term benefits for individuals receiving treatment. The intensive and comprehensive nature of this approach, which includes targeting multiple skill areas and providing a higher number of therapy hours per week, contributes to its effectiveness.

Many studies have demonstrated that individuals who undergo comprehensive ABA therapy for an extended period experience significant and lasting improvements in various domains of functioning. These improvements often extend beyond the duration of therapy, leading to enhanced independence, better quality of life, and increased success in academic and social settings.