CDC data suggests that one in 54 American children suffer from autism. Autism impacts a child’s ability to function, perform day-to-day tasks, and be social. Are you worried that your child won’t thrive without intervention?
The good news is that society knows more about autism than ever before. Experts have reviewed ABA therapy pros and cons. After analysis, they labeled it the “gold standard” in autism treatment.
Are you looking to learn more about applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy? If your child struggles with autism, then it’s in your best interests to research this trend. Read on to learn everything you need to know about ABA therapy for your youngster.
What is ABA Therapy?
So, what is ABA therapy, anyway? ABA stands for applied behavioral analysis. Experts designed this therapy to help strengthen social, learning, and communication skills. How is this accomplished? It gets done through positive reinforcement strategies.
ABA therapy works well for children with autism, but that’s not the only condition it helps with. It also helps with:
- BPD
- Anxiety disorders
- Dementia
- Cognitive impairment after brain injuries
- Developmental disorders
ABA therapy is beneficial for all children that struggle with day-to-day tasks. Even neuro-typical children can enjoy the benefits of ABA therapy.
ABA Therapy for Kids: The Benefits
So, what benefits does ABA therapy provide? Aside from helping your child develop crucial life skills, it helps you, too. The goal of ABA therapy is to:
- Help your child communicate
- Reduce temper tantrums and emotional outbursts
- Halt self-harming behaviors
- Get your child to show more interest in people
In a nutshell, ABA seeks to help you, your child, and your family thrive!
Some amazing ABA therapists even offer home-based services, like at this location. This type of therapy can work wonders for families who struggle to leave the house. It’s also a great solution for communities that are still struggling with Covid-19.
Considering the Downsides of ABA
While ABA therapy is very popular, it’s not perfect. Some of the most common types of criticisms associated with ABA include:
- Therapy is intense (up to 40 hours a week)
- Punishments can be damaging to the child’s esteem
- Repetition can cause stress
- Puts too much focus on making the child appear non-autistic
These complaints are legitimate, but many of them stem from old, irrelevant practices. ABA therapy has evolved over the years as knowledge about autism has increased.
Understanding ABA Therapy Pros and Cons in 2021
Now that you’ve read through ABA therapy pros and cons, what are your thoughts? Do you think ABA therapy can help your little love cope with their autism diagnosis? Even further, do you think that therapy could help your child thrive?
If so, then there’s no more time to waste! In general, early intervention produces better outcomes. Start researching programs in your area today.
Therapy isn’t the only thing you can do to help your child, though. Parenting is a 24/7, 365-days-a-year commitment. To ensure your child’s success, you need to never stop learning! Keep browsing through our blog to see more of our best child-rearing content.