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Potential Behaviours To Expect When Your Child First Starts ABA Therapy


Is my child okay?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is a structured and evidence-based approach used to improve various behaviours in individuals, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When your child first starts ABA therapy, you can expect to see a range of behaviours and changes, both positive and challenging. Here are some potential behaviours to expect:


1. Some Initial Resistance: It is common for children to resist new activities and routines. Your child may initially resist participating in therapy sessions or following the therapist's instructions.


2. Increased Attention and Engagement: Over time, ABA therapy may help increase your child's attention span and engagement in tasks (Gehret, 2023). They may start to pay more attention to their surroundings and the people around them. 


3. Improvements in Communication: One major aspect ABA therapy includes is improving communication skills (Gehret, 2023). You may notice that your child begins to use more words, gestures, or alternative forms of communication to express themselves.


4. Decrease in Challenging Behaviours: A significant goal of ABA therapy is to reduce unfavourable behaviours such as tantrums, aggression, self-injury etc. You might notice some of these behaviours decrease as your child learns new ways to communicate and cope. (Songbird, 2022)


5. Increased Compliance: With consistent ABA therapy, your child may become more compliant with instructions and routines. 


6. Social Skill Development: ABA therapy often includes teaching social skills. Your child may begin to show improvements in interacting with peers and adults, such as making eye contact, sharing, and taking turns. (Songbird, 2022)


7. Frustration and other Emotional Reactions: As your child works on new skills and coping mechanisms, they may become frustrated or present other emotional reactions. This is normal and part of the learning process.


8. Progress Plateaus: There may be periods where it appears that your child's progress has plateaued. ABA therapy is an ongoing process, and progress may not always be linear.


9. Improvements in the Long Term: Progress may be slow and gradual, many children can experience significant long-term improvements in behaviour, communication, and daily functioning through ABA therapy. (Songbird, 2022)


It is important to remember that every child is unique, and their response to ABA therapy will vary. Patience, consistency, and open communication with the therapy team are essential for the success of the therapy program. Over time, you may see positive changes in your child's behaviour and quality of life as a result of ABA therapy.


Written by: Hanyu


References


Gehret, M. (2023, August 29). 7 things you need to know about aba therapy. Kids Spot. https://www.kidsspotrehab.com/blog/things-to-know-about-aba-therapy/ 


Autism Resources. (2022, October 21). Benefits of ABA therapy: 4 benefits you should know: Autism resources. Song Bird Care. https://www.songbirdcare.com/articles/benefits-of-aba-therapy 

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