If you or someone you love has autism, you may have heard of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This type of therapy for autistic people is growing in popularity and getting more attention every day. So, why is it trending?
Over the last few years, people have come to understand that autism is not something to be ashamed of. Parents of children with autism have pushed doctors and scientists to improve treatments and learn more about autism. This is how the ABA therapy method was invented.
Still, ABA therapy is not without problems. Here is a brief look at ABA therapy pros and cons.
Pros of ABA Therapy
ABA therapy and treatment services have many potential benefits to those it applies to. In many cases, it can be a highly effective form of treatment for a wide variety of issues.
Evidence-Based Approach
An Evidence-Based Approach (EBA) to ABA therapy has been proven to be a successful treatment course for individuals with autism. ABA therapy is an evidence-based, data-driven, and individualized approach to teaching. The goal of ABA therapy is to build communication, adaptive, and socio-emotional skills.
Focus on Positive Behavior
Rather than addressing each bad behavior, ABA therapy for autism teaches individuals to focus on the behaviors that they want to do and practice them. This teaches the individual to recognize what they did correctly and associate that feeling with accomplishment.
With ABA, an individual can learn a desired behavior more quickly and continue to practice and refine their skills.
Parent and Caregiver Involvement
Parents and other caregivers can give important information about a child’s behavior, such as any changes they’ve seen. This can help the therapist create an effective treatment plan.
The presence of a parent or caregiver can also provide additional support and security for the child. This makes them more likely to engage and cooperate with the therapist.
Cons of ABA Therapy
It is important to understand the cons associated with this type of therapy. This includes the following:
Intensive Time and Resource Commitment
ABA typically requires 40 hours of weekly direct therapy. This requires an immense amount of dedication and resourcefulness from the family. This can be challenging for families already faced with many demands. This includes those with a single or working parent, many children, and extra financial or familial obligations.
Limited Generalization
One such potential disadvantage is limited generalization. This means that new information or behaviors acquired in a specific context or situation are not easily transferred to another environment or setting.
Subjectivity in Goal Setting
The subjectivity of goal setting can limit the effectiveness of ABA therapy. When goals are too low or too cautiously set, the progress achieved through ABA therapy may be limited. On the other hand, setting goals too high can lead to frustration and a sense of failure. This can cause the patient to give up rather than reach the goal.
Consider the ABA Therapy Pros and Cons
ABA therapy is an effective approach to helping people with autism. Though it has potential risks and may not be suitable for everyone, it can offer meaningful improvements for many people. That’s why it is essential to weigh the ABA therapy pros and cons.
If you suspect you, a family member, or a loved one may gain from ABA therapy, contact an ABA specialist to discuss your options and see the possible ABA therapy benefits.
Explore a wealth of informative topics by browsing through our website!
