Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – ABA

ABA (Applied Analysis Behavior) was born in 1960 in USA and it’s based on analysis behavior principles applied systematically to improve someone’s behavior. It’s considered to be one of the most efficient intervention methods for the recovery of autistic children.

ABA can help children with any degree of disability, the goals of therapy being set according to each child symptomatic picture.

ABA focuses on important social aspects and has as a target a behavior that needs to be changed. Direct and constant measurement of these changes is particularly important to register progress or/and stagnation.

ABA programs are designed to increase communication skills, thinking, socializing, playing and diminish, extinguish negative behaviors that affect learning. These latter behaviors may be of aggressive and ritualistic nature. Children get to make visual contact, execute a task and to benefit from the effects of this intervention.
It uses what it motivates the child and positive techniques to reinforce the behavior.

In this therapy, the therapist gives the child a task or makes a request, along with the correct answer. Then, he uses rewards such as food, toys, praise or attention when the child gives the correct answer or performs the task. Therapy sessions are held one-on-one (a therapist and a child).

Studies conducted in the late 80’s by Ivar Lovaas, who founded the therapy, reported that 47% of children who had 40 hours of ABA therapy per week were able to attend school and to achieve a normal intellectual and functional level.

Subsequent studies demonstrate an IQ improvement, which confirms that, despite the costs, this therapy should be available to all children with autism.

Progress depends on the age at which children begin therapy, after the diagnosis is set. More specifically, a start of the intervention at an early age ensures bigger and quicker recovery chances.

ABA therapy effects are visible from the outside because they involve a change in behavior and can be seen in the increase of independence and quality of child and family life.

Parents are actively involved in ABA therapy. They always have to apply ABA principles when they are with the child because they continue the work of specialists.