5 Reasons ABA Therapy is Ideal For Treating Autism

Autism is a complex condition that is difficult to understand and treat. Although there are many theories about what causes it and how to cure it, no single treatment has proven to be effective for most children with autism. Rather than looking for the magic bullet, it’s important to look at the pros and cons of each treatment so you can make an informed decision. Looking at the six common ABA therapy benefits will help you see why this intervention may be right for your child. These benefits outline why ABA therapy is an ideal way to treat children with autism. However, it’s worth noting that not all kids respond well to ABA therapy. If your child does not meet any of these criteria, you may want to look at other options first before trying ABA therapy.

Learn more in order to communicate better

Autistic children generally have difficulty processing information and understanding social cues. They may also have a hard time describing their emotions, so conversations with them can be frustrating. Many parents report that their children seemed to gain more understanding and confidence after being involved in ABA therapy. The therapy may help them learn how to communicate better and feel more confident around others.

Develop better gross and fine motor skills

Many autistic kids have poor gross muscle coordination and poor fine motor skills. This can make it difficult to accomplish daily tasks like buttoning clothes and brushing your teeth. ABA therapy may help children build up muscle strength and improve motor skills. ABA therapists at Sunshine Advantage in Lakewood are trained to implement activities that incorporate all senses, so they may encourage kids to use their fingers and eyes while brushing or buttoning clothes. They may also encourage kids to use tools like a spoon or fork by placing them on the table or floor for the child to pick up. Kids who have poor motor skills may also benefit from receiving a botanical supplement like turmeric to help improve their blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Improve social skills and communication through play therapy

Autistic children may have trouble interpreting social cues and communicating with others. They may also have a hard time reading others’ emotions, causing them to feel nervous or frustrated when interacting with other people. ABA therapy may help autistic children learn how to mimic and read other people through play therapy. A child who is non-verbal may be encouraged to try communicating through play by acting out scenarios, using toy characters to mimic other people, or using a toy to represent the child’s own object. Play can also be used to help autistic children improve their social skills and confidence. A child who is hesitant to engage in social situations may be encouraged to practice engaging in everyday activities with a play therapist. Activities like grocery shopping or cleaning may help the child learn to mimic and interact with other people in a controlled setting.

Decrease tantrums and irritability

Autistic children may experience high levels of emotion or irritability. They may also have frequent tantrums or meltdowns. ABA therapy may help children reduce their levels of tantrums and frustration through positive reinforcement. A child who is non-verbal may be encouraged to communicate non-verbally through pointing to communicate. A child who is experiencing high levels of emotion or frustration may be encouraged to redirect his attention using visual schedules or repetitive tasks. Visual schedules involve using a chart to mark off a certain amount of time each day that the child is to spend doing a specific activity, like watching a movie. Repetitive tasks involve performing a task over and over again until it becomes automatic, like writing with a pencil or tapping a spoon against a cup.

Increase core strength and improve posture

Autistic children may have weak core muscles or poor posture. ABA therapy may help children develop core strength and improve posture through functional activities. Functional activities involve mimicking real-life tasks and activities, like taking a drink from a cup or walking around the block. Some functional activities will require a therapist to assist the child, like riding a bike or playing catch with a ball. Visual schedules may also be used to help autistic children develop core strength and posture. Visual schedules involve using a chart to mark off a certain amount of time each day that the child is to spend doing a specific activity, like watching a movie.

Conclusion

ABA therapy is a great treatment option for children with autism. It can help address a variety of challenges that many kids with autism face, including oral motor skills, language development, social skills, and core strength. ABA therapy is also a cost-effective treatment option, so it’s worth trying before moving on to more expensive interventions. However, it’s important to note that not all kids respond well to ABA therapy, so you may want to consider other options first.