ABA FAQs: 20 Common Questions & Answers

This post covers the 20 most common FAQs about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for autism, providing clear answers to help parents and caregivers understand how ABA works, its benefits, and how it can support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in improving behavior, communication, and daily living skills.

By Brighter Strides ABA

October 18, 2024

‍Getting Started with ABA Therapy

1. What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It helps individuals with autism and other developmental disorders learn skills that improve their quality of life. ABA therapy for autism focuses on teaching necessary skills and reducing harmful behaviors.

2. What skills does ABA therapy help develop?

ABA therapy helps improve:

Communication and language
Social skills
Self-care and hygiene
Play and leisure skills
Motor abilities

3. What are the benefits of ABA Therapy?

The benefits of ABA therapy are vast for each individual, but the most commonly cited include:

Improved Social Skills

ABA therapy helps children with autism develop essential social skills. These skills are crucial for building relationships and interacting with others. This may include making eye contact, taking turns, and engaging in conversations.

‍Enhanced Communication

Many children with autism struggle with communication. ABA therapy focuses on improving both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This can include teaching children to use words, signs, or picture communication systems to express their needs and desires.

Increased Independence

ABA therapy aims to teach children the skills they need to become more independent in their daily lives. This can include self-care skills, such as dressing and grooming, as well as academic skills, such as reading and writing.

Reduced Challenging Behaviors

ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement and other strategies to reduce challenging behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, and tantrums. By teaching alternative, more appropriate behaviors, ABA helps children learn to manage their emotions and cope with difficult situations.

4. What are common ABA interventions?

Some of the most common evidence-based ABA interventions include:

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI): For children under 5, focusing on functional skills and communication.
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM): For children aged 12-48 months, targeting communication and cognitive skills.
JASPER: For children aged 12 months-8 years, improving play and communication.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET): For children aged 2-9, reinforcing skills in natural settings.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): A play-based therapy for improving communication and self-management.

5. How does ABA therapy work to change behavior?

A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs a plan based on a child's unique needs. The therapist breaks goals into small, manageable steps. For example, learning to wash hands might be broken into steps like turning on the faucet, lathering hands, and drying them. Positive reinforcement is used to encourage success.

6. Is ABA an effective therapy for autistic people of all ages?

Yes, ABA therapy is effective for people of all ages, from early childhood through adulthood. For children, ABA focuses on developing foundational skills. For adolescents and adults, it helps with goals like independence, public transportation, or social interactions. While formal ABA therapy is less common for adults, ABA principles can still be used in everyday life.

7. How Long Does ABA Therapy Take?

The duration of ABA therapy varies depending on the child's needs and the goals of the treatment plan. Some children may benefit from a few hours of therapy per week, while others may require more intensive intervention. Research suggests that early intervention and intensive ABA therapy (20-40 hours per week) can lead to significant improvements in skills and behaviors.

8. Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?

Frequently, an array of private health insurance providers are mandated to include coverage for ABA services. However, this can vary based on your specific insurance type and the state you reside in.

All Medicaid plans are obligated to cover treatments deemed as medically necessary for children below the age of 21.

9. How do I determine if ABA is appropriate for my child?

Consult with your child's doctors and educators to determine if ABA is the appropriate course for your child. These professionals can provide a prescription for ABA, if one is required by insurance.

10. How do I get started with ABA therapy services for my child?

The first step in getting started with ABA therapy is finding a qualified provider. Look for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a licensed ABA therapist with experience working with children with autism.

Once you have identified a potential provider, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your child's needs and goals. During a consultation, you have the opportunity to ask questions and can determine if ABA therapy is the right approach.

11. What is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

To deliver ABA therapy services, one must be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). These professionals are often certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and may include psychologists, therapists, and special educators.

An ABA service provider is a trained professional. He or she applies the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in a therapeutic context. They use ABA evidence-based techniques to improve socially significant behaviors in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). BCBAs work closely with families to design and implement a personalized treatment plan that supports the child's unique needs.

12. What is required to become a certified BCBA?

The basic steps to becoming a BCBA include:

Obtaining a master's degree or PhD in psychology or behavior analysis
Successfully passing a national certification examination
Acquiring a state license to practice, depending on the state's regulations

13. What is the Behavior Analyst Certification Board?

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB) is a non-profit leader that has been certifying behavior analysts for more than twenty years. The BACB mission is to protect those who use behavior-analytic services by setting and promoting clear professional standards.

14. What does it mean to be a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?

ABA therapy programs may also involve Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). RBTs may also be known as behavioral therapists, line therapists, or behavior techs.

These individuals are trained under the supervision of the BCBA. They work directly with both children and adults with autism. They facilitate the practice of skills to achieve the personal goals set out by the BCBA.

15. How do I evaluate APA therapists/clinics for my child?

To evaluate the right ABA therapy provider for your child, it is important to ask smart questions. We recommend asking questions about availability of services, insurance coverage, therapist certifications, goal-setting, and more.

Questions about ABA services:

What kinds of insurance do you accept?
Is there currently a waiting list for your services?
How many therapy hours can you deliver per week?
Do you provide therapy at home, in school, or only in the clinic?

Questions about the ABA therapists:

What is the number of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) on your team?
Have all BCBAs been licensed by the state and/or received their BACB certification? You can use the BACB website to verify or find a certified provider.
What is the count of behavioral therapists in your establishment?
How many of these therapists will be engaged with my child?
What type of training is given to your therapists, and how frequently?
What is the extent of direct oversight provided by BCBAs to therapists on a weekly basis?

Questions about program delivery:

How do you address issues related to safety?
Describe what a typical ABA session involves.
How do you design a set of objectives for my child?
Is there a provision to include parent's suggestions?
How often do you reassess these objectives?
What methods do you use to evaluate progress?

16. What role does reinforcement play in ABA therapy?

Positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, is used to encourage desired behaviors. Unwanted behaviors are ignored, and the person is redirected to the skill being practiced. Reinforcement helps the individual stay motivated and track progress.

Successful ABA therapy requires collaboration between the therapy team, the child, and the family. Be prepared to work closely with your child's therapists and participate in training sessions. By implementing strategies at home, you can reinforce what your child is learning in therapy.

17. How can ABA help with harmful or destructive behaviors?

ABA identifies harmful behaviors and their triggers, then teaches safer alternative responses. The goal is to replace harmful behaviors with safe and effective communication strategies.

For example, if someone has trouble in loud places, ABA can help them learn to use noise-canceling headphones. It can also teach them how to ask for a quiet space.

18. How can families use ABA principles for autistic adults?

Families can support autistic adults by:

Setting clear goals together.
Encouraging independence with verbal, visual, and physical prompts.
Breaking tasks into small steps with visual aids.
Practicing daily and using positive reinforcement.
Contacting specialists if harmful behaviors develop for further guidance.

19. How are progress and goals measured in ABA therapy?

Progress is measured by collecting data during each session. Therapists regularly review the data with family members and adjust the plan if the person isn’t showing progress.

20. What should families do if harmful behaviors arise?

If harmful behaviors develop, families should reach out to their care team. ABA therapists will analyze the behavior and set goals to address the underlying needs. They will ensure the proper steps are taken to ensure safety and well-being.