Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used intervention method for individuals with disabilities or developmental disorders. It is a scientifically validated approach to understand behavior and how it is affected by the environment. During ABA therapy, behaviors occur in response to events or conditions in the environment, and these behaviors can continue due to its results.
How Does ABA Therapy Work?
Wilmette ABA therapy contains three main elements; however, the practice is so broad that many other methods can be used in a creative manner. First, a person’s current behavior is assessed and then managed by rewarding positive behavior or removing positive consequences to manage the consequences of that behavior. Secondly, the environment is changed by doing such things like simplifying tasks or providing choices to promote positive behavior and decrease problem behavior. Lastly, new skills are taught to allow the person to be more successful in their natural environment, such as home, school, or work.
How Does ABA Therapy Benefit People?
Wilmette ABA therapy is recognized as a safe and effective treatment for children and adults with autism. It teaches new skills to replace problem behaviors. It can also increase and maintain the positive behavior that is already there while minimizing other interfering behavior. In the long run, ABA therapy can also improve a person’s self-help skills and allow them to improve their social interactions. A person can transfer the skills and behavior that they learn from one situation and generalize it to other situations that may come up in their life.
What Does Research Tell Us?
Numerous research studies support the use of Wilmette ABA therapy to improve communication, social relationships, self-help skills, academic skills, and cognitive function in children and adults with disabilities. Studies have also been conducted to examine early intervention programs, which are designed for children to begin before they are 4 years old and require 25 to 40 hours of ABA therapy a week for 1 to 3 years. Studies show that the intensity of these early intervention programs allows children with autism to significantly improve faster compared with other Wilmette ABA therapy programs that are not as intensive.
Cornerstones Autism Services is an organization that provides in-home ABA therapy services for children with autism and special needs. They customize each individual ABA therapy session to help children improve their daily lives and meet communication, academic, and social goals.