Author: bilalseo

The Importance of Early Intervention with ABA Therapy

Posted on by bilalseo

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can sometimes be identifiable in children as young as 18 months of age or even younger. We can make the most significant improvements by quickly identifying and addressing the signs and symptoms.

Identifying ASD

As we have learned more about ASD, we have come to find that it is identifiable younger than previously thought. Most children can be diagnosed by age two, much sooner than assumed years ago.

The signs of ASD fall into three types of development: social, behavioral, and communication. Every child naturally has different strengths and weaknesses. And child development is not always cut and dry. Children with ASD also will have different strengths and weaknesses, and the signs one child shows will not be the same as another. Some common differences to watch out for include:

Social Characteristics

  • Poor eye contact

  • Not understanding pointing at objects

  • No response to smiling or different expressions

  • Not using gestures (such as waving)

  • Not noticing when others are hurt or upset

 

Behavioral Characteristics

  • Lining up toys or objects

  • Repeating words or phrases over and over

  • Being very focused on specific parts of toys or objects

  • Easily upset by minor changes

  • Flapping hands, rocking body

 

Communication Characteristics

  • Not responding to their name by nine months

  • Uneven language development

  • Repetitive “stock” phrases in conversations

  • Certain speech tones, such as using robot-like speech, high-pitched, or sing-song-type voice

 

Impact of Early Intervention

Studies show that early intervention treatment can make a significant difference in the progress children with ASD can make across their lives. One study of children from 18-30 months old showed that consistent ABA improved their IQ, with an average of an 18-point increase in children’s IQs after receiving ongoing ABA therapy. Another study of children 3-5 years old showed a significant reduction of symptoms of ASD after receiving early intervention ABA therapy.

Early intervention helps children immediately as they begin showing signs of ASD. But it can also impact their lives as they grow up. Developing needed skills and understanding early on sets them up for success as they age. It can also prevent challenging behaviors from becoming ingrained and prepare them for school. Studies have shown children who receive ABA early on can “catch up” to age-appropriate levels in academic skills.

Early Intervention for You

Is your child under the age of 5? Have they begun to demonstrate some developmental delays? Has your child been diagnosed with ASD? Visit the CDC guidelines for ASD diagnosis or contact your pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s development. For more information on our early intervention services, click here to contact us for a consultation!

What is ABA?

Posted on by bilalseo

Every parent wants the best for their children. However, some children need a little more help reaching their potential. As a parent of a child with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), finding the best resources and programs to help your child reach their potential and gain independence can be challenging. One technique shown to have great success in children with ASD is ABA Therapy. But what is ABA therapy? How does it work? And is it right for you and your family?

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, and it works to increase independence. This one-on-one therapy technique uses the science of behavior to improve daily living skills. These include social skills, self-care, classroom performance and learning abilities, play skills, motor skills, and communication.

To understand the work done by ABA, we can look at its name. The “Applied” portion references the real-world application of its methods. Rather than only focusing on future possibilities, ABA zeroes in on life’s immediate and functional demands. Because of its focus on practical application, ABA has excellent success in helping children who may struggle with abstract thoughts or concepts.

“Behavior” gives a real insight into the science used in the teaching. When people think of behavior, they usually are thinking about the negative. Tantrums might be a behavior or throwing a toy. But behaviors can also be good or neutral. Cleaning up toys, brushing teeth, or even smiling are also behaviors. ABA Therapy focuses on the behaviors necessary for functional and social tasks. ABA works to maintain and increase positive behaviors a child already has, learn new behaviors and skills that a child may need, and decrease disruptive or dangerous behaviors.

“Analysis” helps us see the individualized nature of ABA therapy. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, ABA is highly personalized. As ABA treatment begins, a therapist will analyze a child’s existing behaviors and skills and note how those bring them closer to or hold them back from independence. The therapist will create a plan specific to your child to help them have the skills they need for daily life.

How Does ABA Work?

There are many different strategies for use in ABA. Some of these include DTT (Discrete Trial Training), PRT (Pivotal Response Treatment), EDSM (Early Denver Start Model), and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).

These acronyms represent different techniques that therapists use during ABA treatment. The variety of treatment methods allows a therapist to choose the one best suited for your child, whether that means focusing more on communication skills, direction-following, or social engagement.

All of these methods have some core principles in common. One of the most common is the ABC Model, which stands for antecedents, behavior, and consequences. Antecedents refers to things that happen first. So, essentially, this model means that an action or event leads to a reaction, resulting in some type of effect.

Really, we all learn in this way! Maybe a nervous child is told if they are brave (antecedent) and they sit still at the dentist (behavior), they will get a sticker (consequence). Or maybe you tell your child to try a new food (antecedent), and when they take a bite (behavior), they will get to eat dessert (consequence). ABA taps into this natural progression to understand why a child acts the way they do and to develop new skills along the way.

Who Provides ABA Therapy?

ABA is a team effort! When addressing behaviors, consistency is key. So, ABA is not only taught for a few minutes a week. Instead, the whole family can work together to implement the techniques they learn during ABA therapy.

A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) spearheads the process. After performing an initial evaluation and making a treatment plan, they may receive help implementing the techniques they learn. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) can help train parents and family members, provide one-on-one care, and follow up on how everything is going.

Along the way, parents, teachers, siblings, and others can help use the strategies learned during ABA to ensure consistent behavior training!

Is ABA Right for My Family?

Studies show ABA can significantly improve the level of independence in children with ASD. By working on the specific behaviors of life, ABA can improve:

  • Social Skills

  • Direction-Following

  • Communication Skills

  • Gross Motor Skills

  • Fine Motor Skills

  • Play Skills

  • Self-Care Skills

  • Daily Living Activities

  • Leisure Skills

If you are interested in seeing how ABA can help your family, call us today to schedule a consultation!

Top 5 Benefits of In-Home ABA Therapy

Posted on by bilalseo

Studies show that ABA is one of the most effective ways to improve daily living skills for children with ASD. ABA can improve social, self-care, communication, and other daily life abilities!

While some providers offer ABA therapy at a center, First Choice stands out as providing in-home therapy services where we come to you! In-home therapy can be a game-changer in helping families of children with ASD. Here are the top 5 reasons in-home ABA can be a breakthrough for you and your family.

1- Comfort and Familiarity

Becoming familiar with a new environment can overwhelm any child. Suddenly adjusting to new people, new surroundings, and unfamiliar noises can be a lot to process. With in-home therapy services in a one-on-one setting, your child only needs to adjust to one new person. Home-based therapy also eliminates the need for transitions. Especially for children with ASD, transitioning to transportation and a new facility can be distressing. In-home therapy services eliminate that struggle!

2- Convenience

We are all busy. Families even more so! For ABA Therapy, consistency is vital. However, consistency can be challenging when coordinating doctor’s appointments, after-school programs, work, and other family responsibilities. In-home therapy saves you valuable time. Instead of adding yet another appointment to your list, we come to you! You can now spend the time you would have spent on the way to the appointment collaborating with our therapy team so everyone can benefit!

3- Family Involvement

When ABA therapy is provided at home, parents are encouraged to sit in and observe sessions. Siblings can interact and participate. Sometimes, the behaviors addressed by ABA include family interactions, such as sharing with siblings, and these skills are much easier to work on when the siblings are involved! Other relatives and caregivers can engage in the treatment session to ensure everyone in the child’s life is on the same page. This can improve carry-over and success in therapy treatment!

4- Practical Skills

ABA focuses on real-life behaviors that are practical for your child. At home, treatment can be structured around normal life activities. Dealing with other family members, regulating TV or iPad time, or cleaning up their room is much easier to teach in those actual settings. Self-care tasks, like brushing teeth and getting dressed, are easier to practice in a home environment. And for older children, more complicated tasks like making a simple meal or helping with chores are also easier to practice at home.

5- Enhanced Personalization

In-home therapy can lead to a more personalized process. As a therapist performs an initial evaluation in the home, they can get a clear picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Rather than evaluating a child overwhelmed or confused by a new environment, they will see your child as they function daily. They will be able to identify specific behaviors unique to your home environment. In-home therapy can also give access to your child’s favorite things. Reinforcing a positive behavior with a toy in a center can be helpful, but what can compare to using their favorite toy as a reinforcement?

By bringing therapy right into the home environment, in-home ABA therapy provides an individualized, comfortable, and flexible approach to behavior therapy. This personalized approach empowers families with essential training and support and minimizes stress caused by traveling to a clinic. To see how in-home ABA can help your family, call us today at 848-373-0220!