What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the scientific approach to understanding behavior. ABA applies the principles of learning and motivation to manage challenging behaviors and increase functional skill development. ABA is firmly established, and stands upon decades of rigorous research and is therefore one of few interventions for autism that is covered by insurance.
Will my health insurance cover ABA Therapy?
Every insurance plan is different, and must be thoroughly evaluated to determine ABA coverage. Some families have chosen to purchase individual insurance plans to fund their child’s ABA Therapy. NOAC also accepts private pay for any families who are without insurance coverage and/or without an autism diagnosis.
How involved are family and/or caregiver?
It is highly recommended that family members attend at least one meeting per month to acquire and practice skills necessary to incorporate ABA within the home-setting; as well as review ABA programming & progress. NOAC focuses on the whole family and considers all input to determine the most effective treatment plan for your child.
Will my child be “stuck” at a table all day, repeating the same tasks?
No way! This is a common myth. Our children transition around the center engaging in a variety of interactive stations, while ABA Technicians embed teaching opportunities within the natural environment. Many children also engage in daily structured play activities with a small group of 1-2 peers to increase social emotional skills.
How many different ABA Technicians will my child work with?
Your child will primary work with a team of 2-3 ABA Technicians who have successfully completed the preliminary offsite & interactive onsite training; rotating teams every three to four months. NOAC, along with other high-quality ABA Program, will always rotate ABA Techicians to promote maintenance & generalization at least three times per year. It is critical that your child is able to respond and interact with a variery of people.
How long will my child need ABA Therapy?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer to this question as every child has his or her own individual needs. Your child’s needs and progress will determine how long ABA Therapy will continue to benefit your child. However, children enrolled in an intensive ABA Program before the age of four (of at least 25 hours per week for two to three years) have optimal outcomes; with a reduction in the need for special services later in life.
What can you expect from ABA Therapy?
Progress. And lots of it. ABA Therapy is a highly precise, highly effective, and comprehensive tool for behavior change. An effective way to document your child’s progress is to compare quarterly video clips and/or progress notes; although you may also notice week to week changes!
I’ve been reading online about alternative treatments to autism. Should I try these too?
Beware of pseudoscientific and antiscientific treatments and approaches for autism that make false claims in treating autism. Always investigate the scientific record of any alternative treatment that you hear about, and consider consultation with a developmental pediatrician who specializes in autism. Over the years, many such treatments have proven to have harmful physical and emotional side effects. They also raise false hopes, perpetuate illusion, and divert precious time and resources from effective treatments.
*Check out the Association for Science in Autism Treatment at www.asatonline.org for the latest autism research.