What Is Applied Behavioral Analysis?

About Autism

When someone, like a friend or teacher, suggests that your child may have autism, or if you have your own concerns, it’s common to be filled with questions….we are here to answer your questions

Common Questions:

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a condition that lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects the brain and how it develops, so it’s considered neurological and developmental. Signs of autism usually show up before a child is 2 years old. Autism can impact an individual’s ability to learn, communicate, behave, and interact with others socially.

The cause of autism is not known for certain, but research suggests that both genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Autism can affect children of any gender, race, ethnicity, or economic background.

Autism can be identified and diagnosed as early as 18 months of age or even younger. However, a diagnosis is generally more reliable when the child is 2 years old or older. It is important to note that many children may not receive a diagnosis until they are older, including during their teenage years or even as adults.

About 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism (CDC ADDM Network, 2020).

Autism signs vary, but some common ones are:

Social Communication and Interactions:

Doesn’t respond to name (by 9 months)
Struggles to adjust behavior in social situations
Little or inconsistent eye contact
Doesn’t share interests with others (by 15 months)
Doesn’t join or notice other children playing (by 36 months)

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors:

Gets upset with minor routine changes
Lines up toys or follows repetitive patterns
Repeats words/phrases or echoes others
Engages in repetitive motor movements like hand flapping or spinning

Other Related Characteristics:

Speech and listening skill delays
Unusual eating and sleeping patterns
Unexpected emotional reactions
Too much or not enough levels of fear

Autism lasts a lifetime, but early treatment makes a difference. Studies reveal that behavioral approaches and starting treatment as early as possible can result in the best outcomes.

About ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is an effective method to help individuals learn important skills and reduce challenging behaviors. It is commonly used for autism treatment but can benefit people with various conditions.

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.

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.

Improve Quality of Life

Overall, 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 Treatment ABA Therapy

Paragon Autism Services, LLC offers both comprehensive and focused treatment models. Comprehensive ABA therapy services and focused ABA therapy services are two different approaches to treatment. Here’s a comparison:

Comprehensive ABA Therapy Services

Scope

Covers a broad range of skill areas and targets various domains like communication, socialization, behavior reduction, academics, 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 a coordinated approach.

Focused ABA Therapy Services

Scope

Concentrates on specific skill areas or behaviors, concentrating on 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 therapy should I use?

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.

Several 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.