Why Therapy?

 

Autism is a lifelong situation and depending on the level, might have a lot of limitations that can be difficult to manage without the proper guidance. A lot of children struggle with certain aspects of autism most especially with making friends and managing emotional dysregulation. Speaking to a therapist about these challenges have been documented to help about 64% of children in the US. 

 

Now, I know therapy isn't as common or popular for autistic children in Nigeria as it is in the rest of the world, but there are a lot of qualified therapists and therapies that you can take advantage of for your child. One of such therapies decorated with superb testimonies is the ABA Therapy.

 

Applied Behaviour Analysis is a field of study invested in studying and improving specific behaviours. It is a widely used intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 

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What is it about?

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on improving specific behaviors by developing positive social skills like language and and decreasing negative ones like tantrums and aggression.

 

It uses learning theory principles to curate therapies and since each autistic manifestation is unique, therapies must be tailored to each individual. This approach has been extensively studied and refined over decades.

 

Dimensions and Core Principles of ABA

While ABA therapy targets behavior modification, It is also data-driven and makes use of data collection and analysis for its process. Its core principles rely on prompting, chaining and shaping behaviour in order to modify them. There are seven dimensions and four core principles of applied behaviour analysis. These dimensions, supported by extensive research on autistic individuals 

1. Generality: ABA therapy needs to be practiced in different settings to ensure that results are consistent and positive.
2. Effective: ABA works with data to monitor your child's progress and make sure that the therapy is effective.
3. Technological: Intervention programmes written by your therapist should be detailed, easily followed by parents and run the same way at home to maintain progress.
4. Applied: Skills learnt in clinical settings can be applied to real life situations.
5. Systematic: Scientifically based, studied and proven to modify behaviour.
6. Analytic: ABA therapy involves the collection and analysis of data.
7. Behavioural observation: Behaviours are observed, measured and analysed in order to monitor areas of improvement.

 

The four core principles of behaviour analysis 

Behaviors can be strengthened or weakened by their consequences.

Behavior changes are more effective with positive instead of negative effects.

Behaviors are affected by their environment.

Behaviors need to be reinforced or disciplined for socially significant changes.

 

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Common ABA Techniques 

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Positive Reinforcement 

This technique involves reinforcing positive behaviour by commendations, praise and reward. When a child performs a positive action, or completes a helpful task, they receive a reward for it. This makes them feel good and inclined to repeat that action thus laying the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

 

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Discrete Trial Training 

Discrete Trial Training, commonly referred to as DTT, involves breaking actions or routines into manageable steps or small milestones. This approach is exceptionally successful in teaching skills that autistic children find otherwise very difficult. Take for example, bathing. You could start with getting in the shower and turning it on, then rubbing the sponge and soap together. Each milestone accomplished is met with a reward or praise. This boosts their confidence and enthusiasm to meet other milestones as they would want to learn how to wash when they successfully get the first steps right.

 

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Functional Communication Training 

FCT is an important tool for communication in ABA. It teaches children better ways to communicate their needs and feelings positively. For example, a child prone to tantrums can be taught to express their frustrations using words or pictures or gestures instead. This way, communication is improved, the child feels heard and understood and parents bond better.

 

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Redirection and Extinction 

These techniques are used in correcting bad behaviour by either redirecting their attention or shutting down and eliminating the behaviour immediately. Redirection works by redirecting attention and focus to something safe during a disruptive behaviour like shouting, tantrums. This diffuses disruptive behaviour in a subtler way without escalation. Extinction avoids the situation entirely by eliminating the reason for the behaviour.

 

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How ABA Works in Practice

With ABA sessions are individualized. Every session is tailored to the child’s current abilities, learning pace, and behavioral goals. Therapists constantly assess the child's responses and adjust their strategies in real time to ensure steady progress. This adaptability allows for both short-term wins and long-term development.

 

Because children learn at different rates, therapists continuously adapt the strategies. Parents work with professionals, and they often help implement goals at home.

 

Most at home therapies are a DIY version of clinic work. Therapists would often guide and demonstrate how to practice some of these ABA strategies at home with your child to maintain consistent progress.

 

 

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Effectiveness and Controversies

 

ABA therapy has been widely studied and is often considered effective in improving communication, behavior, and social skills in children with autism. Many families report noticeable improvements in their child's functioning, particularly when therapy begins early and is delivered consistently. However, the success of ABA can vary depending on several factors such as the child’s specific needs, the therapist’s expertise, and the goals set for therapy.

 

Despite its benefits, ABA has faced criticism especially from some autistic adults who feel that it can be too rigid or overly focused on compliance. Critics argue that if not implemented sensitively, ABA may prioritize outward behavior over the child’s emotional well-being or personal autonomy. Others believe that therapy should be more holistic and flexible, allowing space for natural development and self-expression. This ongoing debate highlights the importance of individualized care and ethical practice in ABA.

 

Outcomes depend on many factors, however a lot of parents have reported major improvements.

 

 

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Is early intervention important?

ABA therapy benefits all ages, however, early intervention is very important in social adaptation. Studies show children who begin at the age of two generally have better outcomes. At this age, their social skills are largely underdeveloped and can be guided more easily. Their brains are more malleable, and many foundational behaviors are still forming, making it an ideal time to shape adaptive patterns through guided support.

 

However, it’s important to note that starting therapy after age two is still valuable. Children of all ages can benefit from ABA, provided that the approach is developmentally appropriate and aligned with the child's evolving strengths and challenges. Progress may look different across age groups, but the opportunity for growth and skill-building remains meaningful at every stage.