Many people research ABA therapy after someone in their family has been diagnosed with autism, but they don’t know exactly what to expect in an ABA session. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a structured program that aims to build children’s communication, social interaction, learning, emotional regulation, and functional skills in everyday life. It is done by structured and supportive activities.
A therapy session can’t be the same for two different people, as each therapy plan is unique. Some sessions are dedicated to communication, while others focus on behavior, social skills, or independence.
Understanding the workings of ABA therapy can help ease parents’ concerns and anxieties before beginning treatment.
The Session Begins with Observation
Typically, the therapist will take time at the beginning of an ABA therapy session to note the patient’s mood, energy level, and behaviors. This will help them understand how the patient feels and what may be best to do.
People with autism may come excited and eager to participate, or they may feel anxious, tired, or distracted. Therapists tailor the session according to the patient’s needs and do not follow a specific routine.
The therapist might also discuss briefly with the family what has changed in the family, eating, sleeping, and behaviors in the last few days that might impact the session.
Building a Comfortable Connection
One of the major components of the ABA therapy is establishing trust between the patient and the therapist. Therapists put additional effort into developing a positive therapeutic relationship, particularly during the initial therapy sessions, to ensure that the person feels safe and comfortable.
This may involve:
- Having social interaction
- Discussing favorite habits or activities
- To implement reward and encouragement methods.
- To respond to a patient’s interests
For example, if someone likes cars, the therapist can use cars to introduce learning tasks, and if he or she loves puzzles, puzzles can be used to introduce learning tasks. Therapy sessions are meant to be interactive and supportive, not strict or stressful.
Working on Individual Goals
Each ABA session is tailored to the goals developed specifically for that person. The goals are typically written at the conclusion of an evaluation by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Goal settings can be in the following areas:
- Communication skills
- Social interaction
- Following instructions
- Emotional regulation
- Daily routines
- Reducing challenging behaviors
The therapist divides up big goals into smaller, more manageable ones. For example, if a person is working on getting verbal assistance, the therapist may first teach simple words or gestures and then progress to sentences.
Using Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the key components of ABA therapy. This involves rewarding, praising, or engaging in positive activities that reinforce positive behaviors.
For example:
- When a person does anything independently, they will be praised.
- They could get time off from their chores.
- Using a favorite hobby or food item as motivation might be effective.
Positive reinforcement supports the learning of positive behaviors by linking them to positive consequences. As time goes on, these actions are more automatic and regular.
Rewards are determined by the therapist for each person, based on a particular motivation.
Learning Through Hobbies and Activities
Learning via hobbies is used in modern ABA therapy, particularly for younger children. Therapists use games, toys, stories, and day-to-day activities to foster important skills in a natural way.
Activities may include:
- Matching games
- Role-playing conversations
- Turn-taking exercises
- Pretend play
- Problem-solving tasks
For instance, a therapist can work on communication skills and social interaction skills in an easy board game.
Managing Challenging Behaviors
Other ABA sessions are designed to decrease behaviors that alter learning or living. This can involve aggression, tantrums, self-harm, and failure to follow instructions.
The first step in therapy is to determine the cause of the behavior. A person may be:
- Frustrated
- Overstimulated
- An attempt to ignore something
- Have difficulty expressing a need
In ABA, rather than punishment, emphasis is placed on learning healthy alternatives to expressing feelings and needs. For example, a person who cries when feeling frustrated can learn to ask for a break or to use basic communication skills.
There is a focus on support and skill-building, not on control.
Teaching Daily Life Skills
Many practical life skills are part of ABA therapy, helping patients to be more independent. Sessions may focus on:
- Cleaning their surroundings
- Washing hands
- Getting dressed
- Cleaning up dishes
- Following routines
By breaking them down into smaller steps and practicing them regularly, these tasks are practiced until the patient is more confident.
Practicing everyday skills can help them to be independent at home and outside.
Family Involvement in ABA Therapy
Families are involved in therapy as consistency is key to progress. Strategies that can be utilized at home to reinforce learning are shared by therapists with families.
This may include:
- Communication techniques
- Behavior management tips
- Reward systems
- Structured routines
Consistent improvement typically occurs when families are involved with therapists.
Tracking Progress
ABA therapy is very structured, and therapists continually monitor progress within therapy sessions. They make notes on behaviors, completed activities, attempts at communication, and skill development.
This information is useful to the therapy team:
- Measure improvement
- Modify objectives as necessary
- Identify challenges
- Recognize, develop, and implement more effective learning strategies
Things can go slowly at times, but small improvements add up to big changes over time.
Final Thoughts
An ABA therapy session is much more than sitting at a table completing tasks. You can get proper sessions in a supportive environment, using a personalized plan and a modern ABA therapy approach that helps the patient develop practical skills. Sessions may include play, communication practice, positive reinforcement, behavior support, role-learning of current skills, and development of daily skills. People learn differently, so their ABA therapy is individualized to their needs and goals. By being consistent and engaging families in therapy, patients can learn skills to boost their confidence, independence, and daily lives.
