When children receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, it can be overwhelming for families, and with one in 68 children being diagnosed each year, it’s critical parents understand the importance of early intervention. Studies show early intervention can significantly improve children’s development and help them reach their full potential.
How does ABA work?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is widely recognized as the most effective, evidence-based treatment for autism and is endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and American Academy of Pediatrics. ABA therapy fosters basic skills such as looking, listening, requesting and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another person’s perspective. ABA also helps reduce behaviors that make it difficult for children to learn.
How does EAP provide ABA services?
ABA therapy is offered at clinics, schools and in homes and is provided under the direction of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Therapists work closely with families and education professionals and apply the principles of ABA to teach language, social, self-help, academic, daily living and life skills.
Each child is unique and early intervention helps ensure each child has the opportunity to be mainstreamed into a traditional learning environment and become more independent.