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ABA Therapy Goals: 25 Practical Examples & Timelines
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When choosing ABA therapy as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder, caregivers must maintain a collaborative relationship with their child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to achieve the most meaningful outcomes. One big part of this relationship is developing specific treatment goals. As an evidence-based treatment, it is imperative that chosen goals are measurable. In…
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ABA Therapy for PDA: A “How? When? Why?” Guide for Parents
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Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is characterized by extreme and persistent resistance to fulfilling typical demands or expectations from authority figures. PDA is largely driven by anxiety, and the resulting behaviors appear to be abnormal and excessive. These behaviors are not a choice, but a pattern of behavior specific to the child’s profile. PDA is closely…
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ABA Therapy vs CBT for Autism: Which is Better?
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are both evidence-based best practice treatments for Autism. While there is some overlap in their approaches there are key differences. ABA focuses on analyzing and determining the function of behavior and uses positive strategies to address specific and immediate behavior issues and to teach socially significant…
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Is ABA Therapy Harmful? A Review of the Evidence
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) stands acknowledged as a scientifically sound and efficient method for imparting skills and addressing behavioral challenges linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nonetheless, within the realm of ABA, an enduring discourse revolves around the ethical considerations of the practice. The history of ABA includes examples of intensive, repetitive intervention, overuse of…
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Pivoting: Balancing Self-Care While Caring for Your Autistic Child
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Have you ever been on a plane, watching the flight attendants perform their safety protocol demonstration? They always remind passengers to secure their own oxygen mask first if a cabin depressurizes before assisting others. Easier said than done, right? Before I had a child, self-care was easy for me to accomplish. After having an autistic…
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ABA Therapy Age Limits & Age Range Based on Evidence
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an effective form of treatment for autism spectrum disorder. While Autism can be detected in children as young as 12 months old, a reliable diagnosis cannot be made until 2 years old. Most children are officially diagnosed by age 3, however, some are not diagnosed until their teen years or…
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How ABA Therapy for Toddlers Actually Works
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If you’ve recently received an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your toddler, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices for treatment options. While sifting through the seemingly endless amount of information available to you, one treatment that will frequently surface is applied behavior analysis (ABA). You might find yourself grappling with the decision of…
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What is ABA Therapy for Teens Really Like?
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It is assumed by many that applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a treatment for younger children, typically around the ages of 2 to 5. While ABA therapy can make considerable improvements as an early intervention for those whose autism was recognized early on in life, the assumption that it is only for children is untrue.…
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Occupational Therapy vs ABA: 4 Key Differences
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Specialized therapies are used to minimize the symptoms and maximize the abilities of persons with developmental, emotional, and cognitive issues. Occupational Therapy (OT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are commonly used therapies that are specifically designed to not only reduce symptoms of various developmental disorders but also teach new skills that will increase a person’s…
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7 Real-World ABA Therapy Examples, Activities & Their Benefits
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In the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), many evidence-based techniques discreetly come into play to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder how to navigate the world around them. Some goals of ABA therapy may include increasing desired behaviors, teaching social and behavioral skills, developing socially significant behaviors, and reducing inappropriate behavior. The specific strategies…
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How is Autism Diagnosed? Navigating the Autism Diagnosis Process
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I didn’t always know my son was autistic. Reflecting, I’m surprised I didn’t pick up on symptoms with my background in pediatric nursing. But I was also a new mom and in the thick of dealing with a premature infant who spent nine weeks in the NICU. I was just trying to survive and consumed…
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How ABA Therapy Helps With Social Skills
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For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental challenges, mastering social interaction skills can be particularly complex and lead to difficulties in many areas of their lives. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is one way these children can build lifelong social skills in areas such as social communication, emotional understanding, and creating connections…
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Benefits of ABA Therapy
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Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely used therapeutic approach for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. ABA therapy uses the science of learning and behavior to improve socially significant behaviors. When children are diagnosed with autism, parents and caregivers are faced with many decisions regarding their child’s care plan. While ABA is…
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What is an RBT? The Role of the Registered Behavior Technician in Autism Treatment
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One of the essential roles within ABA therapy is that of the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Working under the supervision of a BCBA, an RBT provides direct care for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. The following information will guide you in understanding what an RBT is and the way they make a difference…
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What is a BCBA? The Role of the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst
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As a parent of a child with autism, navigating the world of therapy can be overwhelming. Among the various therapeutic approaches, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has emerged as a widely recognized and evidence-based method, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder. In this guide, I aim to introduce you to a key player in ABA…
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24 Key Autism Statistics for Raising Awareness & Understanding
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As a spectrum disorder, autism affects everyone differently. With increasing awareness and improved diagnostic criteria, it’s crucial to explore the various facets of autism, including its prevalence, impact on individuals, co-occurring conditions, and available care options. In this article, we will delve into the statistics, challenges, and support mechanisms surrounding autism, and uncover valuable insights…
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Understanding Stimming, Hand Flapping, and Other Repetitive Behaviors
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Stimming is the common term used for self-stimulating behaviors. Stimming encompasses a number of repetitive actions and sounds such as hand flapping, spinning, and echolalia (repetition of words). Stimming is generally a harmless way for people to self-regulate. What does it mean when someone is stimming? Everyone stims to some degree. However, It is often…
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ABA Therapy: Pros and Cons
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Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of therapy that is often used with children with autism. The goal of ABA therapy is to modify behaviors and teach new skills to improve one’s quality of life. It is not, however, without criticism. Let’s review a few advantages and disadvantages of ABA therapy to help…
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10 Common ABA Therapy Techniques
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ABA therapists seek to teach new skills and modify behaviors that are interfering with learning or quality of life. There are many therapeutic techniques used in ABA. We’ll review some of the most common therapy techniques that you may encounter, to give you some familiarity with the term and how you may observe it applied…
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How Positive Reinforcement is Used in ABA Therapy
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One of the most important aspects of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a vital component of effective behavior change and skill development. The correct use of positive reinforcement can result in your child learning new skills and increasing adaptive behaviors. Let’s discuss what exactly positive reinforcement is and how it’s…
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ABA Therapy that Accepts Medicaid Near Me
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Parents are frequently asking: how do I find ABA therapy that accepts Medicaid near me? At Blue ABA, we have you covered: What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a healthcare program funded jointly by the federal and state governments. It provides healthcare coverage to millions of people across the United States. Medicaid is available for low-income…
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13 Fun Activities for Kids With Autism
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Autism is a developmental disorder, characterized by deficits in communication, social, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. It is a spectrum disorder and therefore each individual’s range of symptoms will vary. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to play activities, consider the following fun activities for kids with autism to encourage sensory exploration and the development…
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Your Guide to In-Home ABA Therapy
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ABA therapy is widely considered the most effective treatment for children with autism. It is evidence-based, highly individualized, and uses each child’s unique strengths and interests as motivation to continue learning and growing. The acronym ABA stands for applied behavior analysis. When ABA is conducted in-home, it offers a particular level of individualization to ensure…
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How to Choose the Best ABA Therapy Provider for Your Child
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When considering ABA providers for your child, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of available information. You want the best for your child and therefore you want to be sure that the provider you choose can provide quality care. You ask yourself (and Google): what is the best ABA therapy near me? This…
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What is ABA Therapy? An In-depth look
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Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of therapy available to children with autism and other developmental needs. ABA is based on decades of research on the science of behavior and learning and is often considered the gold standard of care. Through ABA therapy, children develop communication skills, learn self-advocacy, social skills, and more.…