Summary: This article explains what ABA therapy sessions might look like for different children based on an array of activities and services we offer.
ABA therapy sessions are highly individualized for each child. Each child has unique strengths and needs, all laid out in their individual treatment plans.
One child, for example, might struggle with nonverbal autism and therefore need ABA therapy sessions that focus on nonverbal communication through things like PECS boards. During these sessions, therapists might work with children to encourage better expression of their needs and to follow a schedule for activities of daily living through the same form of communication.
On the other hand, another child might need to build their abilities to hold a pencil and learn to write in preparation for going to school, also with a focus on building social skills and being able to pay attention.
No two children will experience the same ABA therapy session, because no two children have the same traits, preferences, challenging behaviors, or needs.
Session Changes
Additionally, ABA therapy sessions will look different from one session to the next. Given the wide range of skills that are typically tackled in a child’s treatment plan, one day either at our center or out of center, a therapist might work with a child one-on-one to focus on communication skills, after which the approach might pivot to focus on social skills. The activities used during each of these sessions will vary accordingly.
An ABA therapy session using NET might involve embedded learning to improve communication. In this case, a therapist might join their child during playtime, and when the child wants the red crayon, the therapist would prompt them to say the word “red” or to say the phrase “I want red,” helping to reinforce language during playtime.
There are often rewards used to reinforce certain activities in context. If a child is working to build social skills, asking for a ball during playtime might result in getting that ball as a form of positive reinforcement, but using communication skills to ask for help with something might result in a treat or a sticker.
This is a heavily individualized process, but our aim is to ensure each child builds the skills they need.
Starting ABA Therapy with Us
When you are ready to get started, you can reach out to Caper ABA. Our facility offers in-center treatment for children between the ages of 2 and 7, but we provide out-of-center, at-home treatment in the natural environment for children 0 to 21. This makes it possible for families and caregivers to be more involved in the skills training provided by the therapists during each session, enabling families and caregivers to replicate those skills and reinforce critical learning.
For older teens, we plan teen social groups to help support families who might be concerned about social development in their teens with autism. At our treatment center for younger children, we offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, and unique extracurriculars, including sports and swimming services.
With Caper ABA, families can enjoy culturally sensitive and socially accepted services, including things like Arabic language sessions and mosque visits.
Our aim is to make this level of care accessible to everyone, which is why we provide Medicaid navigation to ensure that those who are applying for Medicaid benefits to ABA therapy coverage can do so effectively. We also offer financial assistance and grants to make care available regardless of income, with opportunities for financial support based on your needs.
Don’t wait. Call today to see what your ABA therapy sessions might look like.
What does ABA therapy look like? Call us at (847) 996-9832 to find out.
FAQ
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientific approach to helping children with autism reduce their challenging behaviors and build their essential skills. This approach uses positive reinforcement to help individuals and their families, improving things like communication skills, independence, and social skills.
What Does an ABA Therapy Session Look Like?
Sessions will look different depending on whether they take place at our ABA clinic or in a home environment, but each session will be structured, involving one-on-one activities between clients and therapists. These activities might involve a child’s favorite toy, games, matching activities, or language tasks designed to teach essential skills and minimize challenging behaviors.
For sessions that take place in a home environment, our therapists will also work with parents and caregivers to ensure that these essential skills, games, and other instructions and activities can be replicated.
How Long is an ABA Therapy Session?
Therapy sessions will vary based on individual needs. When you reach out to Caper ABA, we will work with you to establish a personal treatment plan for each child, which includes goals and therapeutic processes.
Within those processes, our trained clinicians will help children achieve their goals through sessions either at our clinic or at home. These can last a few hours, and they might be scheduled multiple times per week, but for children who need more intense treatment, it might require full-time sessions at our center every day of the week.
Who Provides ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy sessions are provided by trained professionals. With our facility, our Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) work with you to determine the personalized treatment plan for each child, and our registered behavior technicians (RBTs) work to provide the skills training and other sessions, overseen by the BCBAs.
How Do You Measure Progress with ABA Therapy?
Progress gets tracked through data collection, facilitated by our Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), registered behavior technicians (RBTs), and other professionals. These professionals monitor how effectively children are acquiring skills and changing their behaviors. This information makes it possible for our BCBAs to alter individual treatment plans for students.
Is ABA Therapy Only for Children?
No, ABA therapy can be applied to all ages, but it is most effective when applied to children who are younger, in early developmental stages. Our in-center treatment is offered for children 2-7 years of age, with out-of-center offerings for those between the ages of 0-21.
Sources
https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/features-of-teaching-children-with-autism-aba-therapy