How ABA Therapy Can Help in School

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Parent Perspective: Ways to utilize ABA in your child’s educational setting

When I became a mom, I was completely unprepared for what was ahead—let alone the journey of parenting a child with learning differences. There is a steep learning curve to autism, therapy, the school system, and accompanying medical diagnoses. But as time went on, I found my footing as an autism mom. Slowly but surely, I learned to navigate the various systems and how they interrelate. One of the most valuable tools for our family has been ABA. Incorporating principles from ABA into my son’s classroom has made an enormous difference in his learning ability. 

Life doesn’t happen in a vacuum. What your child is learning at ABA applies to their educational setting and at home. For my child to succeed, we needed to find ways to partner with his ABA provider and the school and connect the two. Both parties need to know what the other side is doing. They had to learn from each other to have consistent programming for my child across environments. This collaborative approach, where everyone’s input is valued, was critical to our child’s success. 

This blog explores how to build relationships among everyone on your child’s team and gives ideas for where you can leverage the benefits of ABA to help your child in school. 

aba in school

Making connections and building relationships

Your child’s ABA providers, therapists, and teachers are part of a team of support people on their journey to development. Each person has a different role, but parts of their jobs overlap, especially regarding your child’s behavior. That’s why, in many cases, ABA can lead the way toward your child’s overall growth. With the proper support and strategies, there’s a world of potential for your child’s development. 

As both you and your child build a trusting relationship with your child’s board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), communicate with them what is happening at home and school. Your BCBA can give you some guiding principles to share in different settings. 

There may come a point where you want to connect your BCBA with your child’s occupational therapist (OT) to help with behavioral challenges that occur during fine motor work, for example. Or your child’s school teacher as you work together toward writing a behavior intervention protocol (BIP) for their IEP. 

It may take time before you are ready to introduce your BCBA to other professionals on your child’s team. That’s okay. Everyone needs time to get to know one another and build trust. 

Areas where ABA may be beneficial in a school setting

There are many ways to leverage what you and your child have learned in ABA to benefit your child’s overall growth and development. As they enter the education system, view ABA as a resource for you in some of the following areas. 

Developing a social skills program

Our kids learn more than academics at school. They learn about having positive, healthy relationships with their peers. For kids with autism, these friendships may be tricky at times. Having extra ABA support by developing school social skills programming that teachers can help implement at school may be very beneficial. 

ABA can assist in setting specific social goals for your child, such as asking three friends a question each day or willingly sharing toys without undesirable behaviors. When added to your child’s IEP, these goals can be tailored to your child’s needs and contribute to their growth and the health of the overall classroom relationships. 

Navigating speech and communication challenges

Speech and communication can be significant challenges for autistic kids. Whether they need help articulating their needs and wants appropriately or are learning to talk on an alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device, ABA may be able to come alongside and support what the school is doing. 

Many kids receive speech services at school or privately. The goals designed by the speech-language pathologist (SLP) to help develop your child’s communication may bring out resistant behaviors in your child. Making your child’s BCBA aware of how an SLP works with your child is super helpful because they can practice speech and language during ABA therapy sessions. The more practice and consistency your child has working toward using their words or activating their speech-generating device, the more they are going to be reinforced by the success they have. 

Speech and language is foundational to education. As you learn how your child can best communicate, figure out how you can loop your ABA provider into that process so that you have the reps your child needs to make progress. 

The area of communication is one in which I have been so grateful for ABA working with my son. He uses an AAC device. His ABA therapists have implemented his device into his sessions, whether it be by having him carry it with him from room to room so it is always available for him to “talk” or by using it during games, snacks, and table time, I have seen massive growth in his vocabulary. What ABA can do alongside his teachers and private speech therapists has pushed him further than where I could have taken him alone. 

Reviewing or helping to write BIPs

Depending on your child’s behaviors in school, the staff may recommend that you develop a behavior intervention protocol or BIP. You may also request a BIP from the school if you notice behaviors that need to be addressed consistently and promptly. 

Writing a BIP is a lengthy process. It often involves a lot of observation of the ABCs: 

  • Antecedents to the behavior
  • Behavior itself
  • Consequences (positive or negative) of the behavior

You may be asked to gather the ABC information at home or in therapy, but the school should also record this behavioral data. 

Another critical component of writing an effective BIP is interviewing adults close to your child. Many times, ABA therapists can provide beneficial information. If the school is open to querying your child’s therapists, this will help ensure a more consistent approach to helping positively direct your child’s behavior. 

After the school staff have been able to analyze and write a report outlining the BIP, have your BCBA review the document and provide feedback. Again, this helps reinforce your overall behavior goals. 

Helping write IEP goals and interpret progress reports

Unless you are professionally trained to write IEP goals, you may feel overwhelmed. I know I did. I still feel overwhelmed by reading and understanding the very specific, measurable information packed into my child’s goals. As a team, we want them to be attainable but also challenging enough that he is stretched to grow. 

Before each Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting, my son’s teacher will usually ask me what I think some of his goals should be. Sometimes, I have a ton of ideas. But in some areas of his learning, it’s hard for me to come up with things. Use your ABA therapists to help you brainstorm goal ideas. They know your child well and may be able to identify some excellent ways to challenge and motivate your kid. 

When it’s progress report time, I often face the same challenge of understanding the complex reporting structure of which specific aspect of the goal he achieved or didn’t achieve. I’ve found it helpful to review these reports with my child’s teacher as well as with his BCBA. She can provide understanding in layman’s terms. And she adapts her ABA plan in conjunction with what he’s working on in school and how well it’s going. 

Attending ARD meetings

Some BCBAs can attend ARD meetings. Meeting attendance will largely depend on scheduling, your provider, and given that you consent to the school district in writing. It’s worth it for the hoops you have to jump through. Having another person at the table who is advocating for your child and knows your child in a way that helps move them toward the next step in their journey is an incredible thing. 

We’ve invited our BCBA to my son’s ARD meetings for over five years. The collaboration I see happening on both sides of the table is exciting. They can give one another ideas to encourage my child’s success. The more I see multiple support providers giving him what he needs in various areas of his life, the more growth and development I see in him.

I am so grateful for our team and the way they work together. This partnership can only happen because of the trust we’ve built. Establishing trust takes time. Sometimes, when someone leaves my child’s team, and we get a new person, it takes a while to build back to where we were. I must remind myself that every person has something to contribute to his learning journey. And if I don’t see that they are, that’s when it’s graciously time to make a change. 

It doesn’t always look like I expect it to or want it to, but I’ve consistently found that when I begin to network and pull providers together at the same virtual—or actual—table, amazing things happen for my kiddo. I can only look on in gratitude for all of the incredible work they do on his behalf. 

You are not alone. 

Advocating for your child in school doesn’t mean you must do it alone. Remember, you have a team beside you. Your ABA clinicians, private therapists, and school staff all play a vital role in your kid’s development. They care about the challenges you are facing as a family and, together, will help your child down the path to being unique and shining bright.  

What are your biggest questions or concerns about connecting your ABA provider with your child’s teacher? 

We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, please feel free to like, share, and follow us for more insightful content on autism and ABA therapy.

If a positive, play-based approach to ABA appeals to you, we invite you to contact BrightPath Behavior. The friendly team at BrightPath Behavior is always ready to answer your questions.

 

Kathy McClelland is a freelance copywriter and marketer for pediatric healthcare and special education brands from Austin, Texas. Before becoming a mom, her work included promoting medical journals and online publications for the American Academy of Pediatrics and parenting books for Tyndale House Publishers. When her second son was born with a rare genetic condition, she was thrust into the world of special needs parenting. Her website is kathymcopywriting.com.

 

Disclaimer: While I am a consultant writing on behalf of BrightPath Behavior, my child is not a current client. The views and experiences shared in this blog post are entirely from a parent’s perspective. My goal is to provide informative content and insights based on my personal experiences, as well as interviews conducted with the staff at BrightPath Behavior.

Navigating the Screen Time Tightrope: Balancing Tech for Kids with Autism

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Parent Perspective: The Pros and Cons of Screen Time for Children with Autism

There is no escaping technology. The children we’re raising today live in a world vastly different from our childhoods. Gone are the days of endless outdoor play and hours of choreographing talent shows to mixed tapes (or, for those younger, burning CDs). The only interaction many of us had with video games as kids was playing the Oregon Trail on the classroom desktop computer. While we lament what our children may miss, there are undeniable benefits to living in a more technologically advanced society. 

The debate over whether screen time has adverse effects on children with autism is ongoing. I do not have the clinical data to take a stand either way. However, as a parent of a child with autism, I have firsthand experience navigating screen time. I’ve noticed both the pros and cons of screen usage. Here, I share some insights into managing screen time and offer suggestions for determining your approach. 

It’s beneficial to carefully consider how you integrate screens into your home—whether it’s an iPad, cell phone, laptop, TV, Kindle, video games, or even a smartwatch. Planning allows you to establish boundaries and anticipate challenges, guiding you toward a balanced approach that works best for your family.

screen time and kids with autism

Pros of Screentime

​​There are numerous benefits for neurodivergent children using various devices and technology, especially those created specifically for kids with autism, speech delays, or other developmental challenges. Here are some ways screen time may be beneficial for your child:

Technology can be a talking tool – Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Technology can provide a means of communication and self-expression for non-speaking children with autism. Many AAC programs are available on devices like iPads and enable non-verbal children to communicate effectively, opening new avenues of expression that might not otherwise be accessible. Some popular AAC tools include:

While there’s concern that AAC might deter verbal communication in speaking children, studies show the opposite. AAC may be a valuable option for communicating when children are fatigued. Some individuals find it easier to express themselves more fully through AAC, complementing their verbal expression. Technologies developed by major software and hardware speech manufacturers (not all AAC is installed on an iPad) serve as tools to enhance communication, which is a significant advantage.

Technology can be a learning tool — Educational Apps and Games

Technology is a powerful educational tool, offering thousands of apps and games tailored to various learning needs and interests. Whether your child has an aptitude for a specific subject or needs to develop in a particular area, chances are there’s an app to help them. Here are just a few examples of apps for different areas of learning, including reading, literacy, science, coding, and memory games: 

Even games like Minecraft allow kids to learn spatial awareness and design 3-dimensional spaces in an animated realm. When choosing apps and games for your child, focus on those that align with their interests and areas where they can grow.

Our educational system has embraced the use of technology in classrooms as an effective learning tool. As parents, we can do the same. It’s a matter of selecting the right websites and apps for your child. 

Technology can be a social and saftey tool — Text Messaging and Video Calling.

Not all technology prevents connection and socialization. In fact, some types of technology allow us to interact in ways that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Text messaging and video calling allow children, including those using AAC, to socialize with family and friends safely and meaningfully. Contrary to isolating, some technologies facilitate social interaction.

Digital communication methods provide vital social connections, enhancing communication skills and even offering a way to communicate with a parent or caregiver if they are in a potentially unsafe situation. The following resources help parents keep their kids safe in social settings:

Technology can be a creative tool — Photography and Social Supports.

Many autistic children have a visual inclination and enjoy capturing and reflecting on images. Whether taking photos themselves or exploring pictures on a caregiver’s phone, photography can help them understand their world and relationships.

 Additionally, photography and video can support applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy by creating visual supports and social stories, aiding in learning and vocabulary development. Here are some app ideas for fostering creativity and visual supports:

Technology can be a tool for entertainment.

We can’t ignore the upsides of using technology for entertainment. Many of us tend to view using technology for entertainment as a downside to screens. However, there are moments when we need our kids to sit still and be entertained. There isn’t a mom out there who hasn’t expressed a sigh of relief as they hand their child a phone while waiting at the doctor’s office. 

While often viewed negatively, technology can provide essential entertainment and relaxation. Whether calming a child following an extended therapy session or allowing them to unwind after a day of school, screen time offers familiar and predictable activities that may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation for kids. Here are the favorites in our house:

Cons of Screentime

Now, let’s look at the cons. Many of us are probably very familiar with the consequences of technology and screen usage, whether through personal experience or a fear that it’s becoming a big problem we can’t control. Screen time effects are a real concern. Understanding what we’re up against as parents can help us decide our non-negotiables as well as give ourselves some grace when screens introduce challenges we didn’t expect. 

Technology can prevent real, authentic social interaction.

While technology can promote social interaction, it can also isolate your child. When a child is given a device to use whenever and however they want, it can become a real danger. Setting limits around the time and exposure your child has to screens may prevent this from becoming an insurmountable problem.

If your child tends to stim on a screen, it prevents them from staying present. Whether they are compulsive swipers who can’t stay engaged with one show or activity, there may need to be certain restrictions. The Guided Access functionality on an iPad helps those kiddos who like to bounce from app to app and video to video. Or, if your child repeatedly watches the same movie, it may be time to expose them to different shows or activities. These are examples of behaviors an ABA clinician may be able to implement into your child’s programming. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask your ABA provider, such as ABA Connect, for help. 

Technology can be overstimulating.

Many kids with autism tend for their sensory systems to become overloaded. If this is your child, watch how they react to high screen usage. Factors contributing to sensory overload include the device’s volume level, screen brightness, and whether it is used in a dark or brightly lit area. Consider what types of videos, songs, and apps get your child hyped up. Directing them toward content that creates a more calm and regulated nervous system response, such as slow, repetitive music and lower-volume videos, may help them stay within their window of tolerance. Here are some possible apps to help calm your child:

Technology can be an alternate reality.

Some kids prefer to live in a virtual world rather than a real one. Games that include virtual reality (VR) simulate real-life experiences, which may be more exciting or enticing to your child than their actual environment. However, spending time outdoors in nature offers an antidote of sorts. Mother Nature operates at a much slower pace than we do. During a hike or bike ride, your child may begin to experience a healthy contrast to the fast-paced realm of technology. Engaging with nature may enable their nervous system to mimic this slower pace.

Also, consider how videos with compelling storylines may become replacements for reading a book. There is something unique and beneficial in forming pictures to a story within your child’s imagination. When technology prevents kids from spending time outdoors or reading, they miss out on engaging with their environment meaningfully. This may be a sign that it’s time to step back from technology.

Moderation with Screentime

Like many things, there’s no hard and fast rule for approaching screen time with your child. Perhaps the best approach is moderation. 

  • Set limits. 
  • Encourage the types of technology that lead to connection. 
  • Stay engaged in what your child is watching or using. 
  • Try not to feel guilty if your child uses technology more than you would like. 

Sometimes, in life, things aren’t quite where we want them to be. Knowing where we want to be can help us get there with a plan and a good dose of patience. 

Our Journey with Screen Time

My son didn’t show much interest in screens, whether a TV, phone, or iPad until he was four or five. I actually wanted him to engage with technology because I knew an AAC device could be a helpful tool for him to communicate. 

Working with a speech-language pathologist and an assistive technology expert, we presented him with different AAC programs. He wasn’t interested. Also, he had not yet developed a pointer finger, which is essential to a touchscreen device. I recruited an occupational therapist to help him form one. It didn’t matter what she did; he showed no signs of being able to isolate his finger. Until he discovered YouTube Kids on an iPad! Everything changed from there. 

Watching entertaining videos was a gateway to making technology more functional. My son didn’t start showing interest in using his “talker” (what we call is AAC device) until he first experienced immediate gratification from swiping around on YouTube Kids and PBS Kids. In that respect, I am incredibly thankful for handheld devices. Yes, they can become detrimental to real-life engagement, but overall, they opened up my son’s world in a whole new way. 

Every child’s journey is unique. Maybe there’s something different—another way your child can grow and expand through technology. Remember, technology can be very engaging and motivating. If you need ideas for how to use a device or application to help your child grow, ask your child’s BCBA or ABA clinician. They may have ideas for how to use screens for their greater good. 

What are your biggest questions or concerns about screen time usage with your child? 

We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, please feel free to like, share, and follow us for more insightful content on autism and ABA therapy.

If a positive, play-based approach to ABA appeals to you, we invite you to reach out to ABA Connect. The friendly team at ABA Connect is always ready to help answer your questions.

Disclaimer: While I am a consultant writing on behalf of ABA Connect, my child is not a current client. The views and experiences shared in this blog post are entirely from a parent’s perspective. My goal is to provide informative content and insights based on my personal experiences, as well as interviews conducted with the staff at ABA Connect.

10 Lasting Ways to Recharge as a Parent of a Child with Autism

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A Parent’s Perspective: The Importance of Self-Care (not Self-Comfort) 

Self-care has gotten a bad rap in recent years. I think it’s because there’s a focus on pampering yourself with bubble baths and pedicures that simply isn’t, nor can it be, the reality for many people. Those self-indulgent activities don’t care for you in a deep and lasting way. They comfort you in the moment. Self-care is a small but steady investment in yourself that allows you to recharge. 

As parents of children with special needs, finding ways to practice good self-care is challenging. Our children demand so much from us. Yet, for us to be able to continue to provide them all they need, we must find ways to practice the type of ongoing self-care that sustains us. 

self-care

There is a Difference Between Self-Care and Self-Comfort

Self-care is not a selfish act but a crucial component of being an effective parent and caregiver. Chose to care for yourself in a way that sustains you over the long-run and doesn’t just comfort you in the moment. By incorporating any one of these practices into your life, you will not only recharge and maintain your well-being but also create a positive and nurturing environment for both yourself and your child with autism. 

It’s essential to remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. Prioritizing self-care can help you recharge, maintain your well-being, and be the best caregiver possible. This blog post offers ten ways to practice self-care as a parent of a child with autism: 

1. Establish a Routine

Create a dedicated time in your daily or weekly routine for self-care. Having a routine may be enjoying a cup of coffee in silence before your child wakes up, taking a brisk walk after your child leaves for school, or intentionally using a slice of time in your schedule to do something that you need to do or enjoy doing. Save those parts of your day for yourself. Knowing you have designated self-care time can help you stick to it and ensure you get the recharge you need.

2. Regular Exercise

Incorporating physical activity into your routine may be a powerful stress reliever. It doesn’t have to be intense and it doesn’t have to take long—simple activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. But if you are the type of person who benefits from a hard-core workout that makes you sweat, practice yours regularly and don’t feel guilty about it, knowing it is an investment in your physical, mental, and emotional self that will go a long way in helping you take care of your child. 

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation

Practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques may bring mental clarity and relaxation. Even just 5-10 minutes a day focusing on your breath and choosing what you think about can have a profound impact on your stress levels. You may have a hard time slowing down enough to meditate. Instead of meditation, which is emptying your mind, try mindfulness that fills your mind with things that are good, right, and true. 

4. Connect with Others

Schedule regular social time, even if it’s just a phone call or a quick coffee with a friend. Social media does not count. It can actually be counterproductive to self-care. You need a real person who has a positive, uplifting presence in your life. Connecting with others who understand your challenges, even if they don’t have a child with autism, can be therapeutic and provide a much-needed support system.

5. Hobbies and Interests

Rediscover or explore hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, or any other activity, having a personal interest can provide a much-needed escape and recharge your energy. This suggestion requires more intentionality and time, but even while raising a child with autism, it can be done. Choosing what you love to do probably isn’t the hard part; finding the time to do it is. Break it into manageable steps. It’s okay if you dedicate short bursts of time to what you love doing because, remember, self-care is a small and steady investment in yourself.  

6. Respite Care

Utilize respite care services or a babysitter to give yourself a break. This request for help is one of the biggest struggles for us as parents. It’s hard to find someone we trust to care of our child and all of their unique needs. But it is possible! In the last blog, 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Parents of Children with Autism, one of the suggestions is to seek and accept help. Having time away, even for a couple of hours, can help you recharge and regain your energy, allowing you to return to your caregiving role with renewed strength. Respite often requires extra financial resources, but may be worth it because it’s an investment in you and your child. 

7. Professional Support

Consider seeking professional help through therapy or counseling. Having a supportive therapist to talk to can provide valuable insights, guidance, and emotional support as you navigate the challenges of caregiving. If you are having a hard time finding a professional counselor, you may want to start by talking to the social worker at your child’s doctor’s office. Regardless of what type of professional you talk to, having a non-judgmental person to listen can be healing and helpful. 

Another form of support is support groups. Finding a support group specifically tailored for parents of children with autism may be good self-care. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide a sense of community, understanding, and valuable insights into navigating the challenges you may face.

8. Set Boundaries

Learn to say no when needed and establish boundaries for your well-being and try not to feel guilty. Most people establish boundaries pretty easily (or think they do), but in a moment of pressure, they let their boundaries down because of guilt. 

It’s important to prioritize your own needs and avoid overextending yourself, both physically and emotionally. This means it’s okay to not volunteer in your child’s classroom or not go to your parent’s house for dinner every Sunday night. You know what you need. No one else does, so only you are the one who can say no when you need to. 

9. Quality Sleep

Prioritize getting enough sleep for optimal functioning. This is especially difficult for many parents of children with autism who don’t sleep well. You may not be able to get a solid eight hours every night, but do you have ten minutes to power nap each afternoon when your child is at school? Or, can you go to bed as soon as your child does and leave all that you could be doing until the next day? Knowing lack of sleep can significantly impact your ability to cope with stress and effectively care for your child, establish a bedtime routine and create a conducive sleep environment to ensure a restful night’s sleep. You may not always get a good night’s sleep, but set yourself up well so that when it does happen, you wake up feeling fully refreshed. 

10. Find a Trusted ABA Provider

Finding the autism support your child needs is also a form of self-care. You can’t do it all alone. You need the help and support of trusted professionals. At ABA Connect, dedicated therapists understand the challenges you and your child face. Our therapists develop treatment plans to target your child’s greatest challenges, but they are also there to listen to the struggles you face and find ways to help you overcome them. 

Remember, you deserve care and support, too. Take the necessary steps to prioritize self-care and seek assistance when needed. You are doing an incredible job, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

So, which self-care technique do you plan to implement for yourself?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, please feel free to like, share, and follow us for more insightful content on autism and ABA therapy.

If a positive, play-based approach to ABA appeals to you, we invite you to reach out to ABA Connect. The friendly team at ABA Connect is always ready to help answer your questions.

Disclaimer: While I am a consultant writing on behalf of ABA Connect, my child is not a current client. The views and experiences shared in this blog post are entirely from a parent’s perspective. My goal is to provide informative content and insights based on my personal experiences, as well as interviews conducted with the staff at ABA Connect.

Note: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and does not replace professional advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional or therapist for personalized guidance.

The Importance of Caregiver Involvement

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As a caregiver of a child with autism, you want to do everything you can to support your child’s development and well-being. One of the most important things you can do is to be actively involved in your child’s ABA therapy. ABA therapy is most effective when caregivers are involved in the process, as it helps to reinforce skills learned in therapy and promotes generalization of those skills to the home environment. 

Research has consistently shown that parental involvement in ABA therapy is associated with better outcomes for children with autism. In one study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders in 2015, researchers found that caregiver involvement in ABA therapy was associated with greater gains in communication, adaptive behavior, and cognitive skills in children with autism (Ingersoll & Berger, 2015). Another study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2007 found that caregiver involvement in ABA therapy was associated with greater social skill gains in children with autism (Trembath, Balandin, & Togher, 2007). 

So, what does caregiver involvement in ABA therapy look like? It can involve attending therapy sessions with your child, observing therapy sessions, working with your child’s ABA therapist to develop goals and strategies for therapy, and practicing skills learned in therapy at home. It’s important to communicate regularly with your child’s ABA therapist and to ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand. 

By being involved in your child’s ABA therapy, you can also learn strategies to better support your child’s development and behavior at home. For example, if your child is working on communication skills in therapy, you can reinforce those skills by using them at home and by providing positive feedback when your child uses them successfully. 

Overall, caregiver involvement in ABA therapy is crucial for the success of the therapy and for your child’s development. As a caregiver, you are your child’s biggest advocate and supporter, and your involvement in ABA therapy can make a significant difference in your child’s progress and well-being. 

At ABA Connect, we recognize the importance of caregiver involvement in each child’s program. We work alongside your family to ensure that you feel that your desires are reflected in your child’s treatment plan. We also incorporate caregivers into sessions and specific caregiver training with the BCBA so that you are able to support your child’s development outside of the therapy session. For more information, please contact us at 833-225-9393 or email us at info@abaconnect.com

References: 

Ingersoll, B., & Berger, N. I. (2015). Parent engagement with a telehealth-based parent-mediated intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorders: Predictors of program use and parent outcomes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(12), 3877-3886. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2523-0 

Trembath, D., Balandin, S., & Togher, L. (2007). The importance of parent–therapist collaboration in a play-based intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40(3), 475-479. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2007.475-479 

 

Is ABA Best for My Child?

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A parent’s perspective of ABA therapy and how it can help.

Trying to decide if ABA therapy is right for your child? Consider this parent’s perspective.

Shortly after my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I remember sitting in the pediatrician’s office, wondering what to do next. I was exhausted from years of hoping he was “okay” to grieving that he may be different from who I expected. But his diagnosis was a turning point for me; I knew it was time to do something. 

I was concerned about some of his unusual behaviors. He would suck on his hands for hours, bang a rattle against his front teeth, or grab at people for attention. Some of the things he did annoyed us. Some of them were obvious attempts to communicate. But, most concerning was that some of his behaviors could escalate or become self-injurious if we didn’t intervene. 

As I vented my frustrations about these usual behaviors to my son’s doctor, she graciously shared with me that she, too, had a child with autism and would write a referral for ABA therapy. Then she said, “It’s the only thing that helps.”

That phrase stuck with me. After five years of ABA, I wholeheartedly agree. It’s the only thing that works. But I would add one clause. ABA works best when you find the right ABA provider.

To find the right ABA provider, you need to know what you’re looking for.

finding the right ABA therapist for your child

Photo by Marisa Howenstine on Unsplash

The easiest way to understand and explain ABA therapy.

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s about analyzing the function of a behavior. To understand why a behavior occurs, you must understand what happens directly before and after the behavior.

Many ABA therapists teach the ABCs of behavior:

  • Antecedent – observing what happens before the behavior 
  • Behavior – the behavior you are trying to understand
  • Consequence – noticing what happens directly after the behavior 

Consequences don’t have to be negative; they can be positive too. Awareness of the negative and positive consequences of behavior is beneficial for understanding how to shape behaviors. ABA may sound simple in theory, but it takes a lot of patience in real life. 

Learning a new ABA way of parenting.

ABA therapy takes some getting used to—both for your child and you. It requires you to adjust your parenting style. Most of us parent the way we were parented or not parented. When you switch to ABA, you may be unable to use the principles you were raised by or to simply follow your gut. Changing to an ABA parenting style requires humility, teachability, and patience.

It’s hard to admit that your parenting isn’t working with your child. The first thing that struck me about ABA was that my behavior affected my child’s behavior. I needed to be like a detective and understand why I did what I did and how my child responded. I had to notice what my instincts were and suspend them in midair.

Fortunately, you will have a team of ABA therapists led by a Board Certified Behavior Therapist (BCBA) who help guide you. Remaining open to their input is essential to the process. 

Parenting from an ABA perspective also requires you to try to understand things from your child’s perspective. As tiring as it can be, it’s also fascinating. It enables you to understand and connect with your child in the long run.

Not all ABA clinics practice the same philosophy. 

There is a learning curve to understanding ABA as a parent. In the beginning, I learned there are different ways ABA is delivered. Having an idea of the different philosophies of ABA may help you determine what is a good fit for your child and family. 

Highly-structured ABA clinics utilize a lot of table work and routine.

ABA is a relatively new form of therapy, but even within the last 20-25 years, so much has changed. Many of the early therapy centers provided highly structured learning. Some still do. The idea is that structure and routine are highly preferable for individuals with autism. Many ABA clinics are like classrooms where kids must sit down and learn at the table all day long. The phrase “drill and kill” originated in this kind of setting. It may work for some, but others find it incredibly dull.

Early childhood ABA clinics focus on getting pre-schoolers ready for school.  

Other ABA providers focus on early childhood but don’t offer services for older kids. Children with autism have more complex needs as they grow into school-age and adolescents. And there are fewer experienced providers available to help them. Some clinics, like ABA Connect, offer early childhood, school readiness, and the social skills needs of older kids. 

Play-based ABA clinics, like ABA Connect, pair having fun with making progress!

In recent years, more clinics are emerging with a play-based approach. ABA Connect is the industry leader in playful ABA therapy that happens in a naturalistic setting. This approach considers the needs and wants of the child. 

ABA Connect therapists realized long ago that having fun in therapy and making developmental progress are not two mutually exclusive events. ABA Connect’s foundation is built on the idea that what motivates a child helps form positive outcomes for kids and their families. Instead of working against the grain, therapists are working alongside your child to help bring out more of who they are rather than trying to get your child to conform and fit a mold.

Learn more about how ABA Connect offers therapy as unique as your child.

There are many ways to force a child to comply using negative associations. However, wouldn’t you prefer a positive approach? ABA Connect uses positive reinforcement more effectively, kindly, and compassionately than some intense, high-pressure providers. 

It is crucial that you find an ABA program that will meet your child’s needs and help you learn how to work with them without shortcutting the process or using punitive reinforcement. 

Questions to ask when considering which ABA provider or BCBA to go with:

 

  • Do the therapists tend to have playful, fun, and inviting personalities, and if in a clinic, is the clinic setting welcoming and engaging?

 

  • Do they ask you questions about what your child likes and doesn’t like? Do they ask what your child’s strengths and weaknesses are? These are important things to incorporate into a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

 

  • Do they enjoy being with your child and other children in the clinic? Can they give examples of progress in their treatment plans? Is there hope for a fulfilling life awaiting your child and family?

 

  • Do they have experience working with different communication modalities? Are they flexible and willing to use what your child prefers, even if that means learning an entirely new AAC software program?

 

  • Do they incorporate life skills and community exposure into your plan? So much of what ABA providers teach are developmental skills in progression. Developmental skills build on one another but can’t happen in a vacuum. Are those skills practiced in everyday life? For example, use a towel to dry your hands after you wash them. Or visiting the library without pulling all the books off the shelf and then walking away?

 

  • Are there opportunities to interact with other children to learn peer-to-peer relationships? Things like turn-taking, greeting one another, and working together to play or build something.

 

Seeing ABA therapy at work!

Last weekend, our family was discussing something we watched on TV. Nathan sat beside me, watching YouTube Kids on his iPad. I couldn’t hear the conversation over the volume. I leaned over and turned the volume down without telling him what I was doing. Nathan then started to pull on my hair and scowl at me. 

Honestly, my first response was anger, but I tried not to show it and instead redirected his behavior by grabbing a stuffed animal and pretending to make him sneeze. He began laughing. Shortly after, I realized he was angry that I turned his iPad down without asking or giving him a choice to pause and wait until we finished talking.  

This example is just one of many everyday life skills that ABA can help with. It teaches you how to redirect behavior to something fun, empathize with your child, and understand how everyone in the family can adapt to make things easier for everyone.

Finding the right ABA therapist for your child.

After implementing ABA therapy in our family’s life, I can confidently say that it has been a game-changer for us. It has taught us how to understand and communicate with our son in a way we never thought possible. The skills we have learned have helped us create a more peaceful and enjoyable home environment. 

If you have a child with ASD, I encourage you to consider ABA therapy. It may seem overwhelming at first, but the benefits are worth it. Remember, finding the right therapist and resources for your child is vital. Don’t give up if you don’t see the changes you want immediately. Keep working with your child’s therapist, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way.

If you have any questions or comments about ABA therapy, please leave them below. The team at ABA Connect is happy to help answer your questions. 

And if you found this post helpful, please share it and follow us on social for more content on autism or ABA therapy.

If you are interested in a positive, play-based approach to ABA, contact ABA Connect.

alternatives to time-out

Alternatives to Time-Out

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(Alternatives to Time-Out was originally posted December 3, 2014 by Dr. Lindsay Evans, additions made December 18, 2020 by Amanda Dixon)

Time-out can be an effective discipline technique for many children. However, some parents may want to approach challenging behavior without the use of a consequence that can evoke many strong, negative emotions. There are many other discipline strategies that you can use in combination with or as alternatives to time-out. These strategies are best for times when your child is misbehaving in a minor way (if a child is engaging in dangerous or aggressive behavior, immediate parent intervention and removal from the situation is best).

And, just a reminder, the most important tool of all is consistent and specific praise for appropriate behavior. Often times, challenging behavior can be reduced by providing attention and praise for behaviors you want to see immediately after they occur. If you do decide to incorporate time-out, be sure to check out this post to learn how to do an effective time-out with your child.

alternatives to time-out

Alternatives to Time-Out:

1) Try a “Do–Over”

Sometimes your child may behave impulsively in a moment of excitement or frustration, even when they know the rules. For such minor misbehavior, try letting your child know that their behavior was not acceptable, but they can try again. You might try saying something like, “You didn’t use nice words when you asked your Grandmother for another slice of pizza. Can you try that again saying please?” This serves two purposes: It gives your child a warning that their behavior was not acceptable and it also helps your child practice the appropriate behavior.

This strategy is best used for rare occasions. If you find yourself giving your child “do-overs” repeatedly, you might need to consider another method.

2) Re-Direct

This is often the simplest way to intervene when your child is misbehaving and it is a particularly helpful strategy for younger children who may have difficulty remembering rules and using self-control. This involves moving the child to a different area or removing a toy or object until the child’s behavior has improved. You can also substitute a new toy or activity to distract your child from the source of frustration, and say, “It looks like this toy is making your frustrated; let’s play with this instead.” Then, make sure to praise any behavior that is appropriate.

3) Make Amends

Often, children are forced to “say sorry” after a wrongdoing. An apology can be a very meaningful thing and help to repair disruptions in relationships. However, apologies become less effective if they are forced on a child as a consequence for misbehavior. When we do this, we run the risk of teaching our children that an apology is meaningless. Here is a great article, “A Better Way to Say Sorry,” about how to guide a child through an apology using a four-step format, 1) “I’m sorry because….”, 2) “This is wrong because…..”, 3) “Next time I will….” and 4) “Will you forgive me?”. Try role-playing these steps with your child and encourage them to apologize using this format.

4) Give Your Child Two Choices

If your child is misbehaving but not breaking a family rule (which would require immediate consequences), a warning with alternative choices is often enough to change the misbehavior. Approach your child and say, “You are not allowed to keep all of the toys to yourself. You have two choices: You can take turns with your brother, or you can go play in another room.”

5) Take a Break

This strategy is similar to a time-out except that you take the break with your child while they calm down and you use this time to have a discussion about how your child is feeling and his/her choices. If your child is losing control or getting upset, a cool down period can help them work through strong emotions and decide on the next step to take to right the wrong. This step might then be followed by a “do-over” or an apology. This strategy is not for children are misbehaving to get your attention.

Overall, evidence is clear that corporal punishment has limited effectiveness and has potentially dangerous side-effects. Time-out as well as many of the options listed above are positive strategies that can be integrated into your parenting approach based upon your personal parenting style and your child’s individual needs. Whichever parenting method you choose, it’s critical to provide enough quality, one-on-one time with your child to reduce the likelihood of misbehaving for your attention.