If you are like most parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder, you probably got loads of advice from well-meaning family and friends about systems and programs for autism which they heard about on the radio or read about online.
At first, you may hop online researching every hint of a new idea, but after a while, discouragement may set in and you dismiss each idea with a heart of a defeat.
That might even be how you felt the first time you heard about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
Does ABA therapy really work?
The good news is that, yes, ABA does work for children with autism spectrum disorder!
This has been proven by decades of scientific research and through personal success stories.
Scientific Research on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
We know Applied Behavior Analysis works because of the scientific research behind its development.
In the 1960s psychologists applied what they knew about behavioral science and developed ways to use the information to promote positive behavior. The researchers had a heart for children with autism spectrum disorder in particular with the goal to improve the lives of the children and families.
Through decades of hands-on research, they developed methods that teach children with autism acceptable social skills.
They found great success and families’ lives were changed!
After 20+ years of research, the behavioral scientists published a study describing what ABA therapy looks like in order to spread the word about the hope that was available to families with children with autism spectrum disorders.
The methods and systems developed by these researchers became known as Applied Behavior Analysis.
This practical, individualized therapy has already helped countless families.
Why does it work?
The ABA therapy is both researched-based and designed to tailor to the individual. Each child has his or her own unique strengths and weaknesses.
ABA therapy can target the particular areas in which the child needs to grow and learn, drawing on years of research about what has worked in similar circumstances.
Applied Behavior Analysis Success Stories
We also know Applied Behavior Analysis works for children with autism because of the experience of families over the last thirty years since the researchers first published their study.
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is happening all across the country and therapists are seeing success.
One therapist saw results in a preschool boy who had no expressive or receptive language. Now the boy is in kindergarten and can hold a conversation and needs only minimal intervention in school.
Another family saw results from their non-verbal 9-year-old daughter because they were taught how to organize their home and their schedule and their interactions to encourage her participation.
Discover Hope Applied Behavior Analysis Success Stories
The therapists at Discover Hope get to experience success stories first hand. We know ABA therapy works because we have seen it work time and time again.
Therapists and families see progress as a plan is developed and worked towards the child’s personalized goals.
We are thrilled when we hear from parents the differences they notice in their children because of ABA therapy!
At Discover Hope we have seen:
1. Growth in social skills in teenagers.
💙 One teen learned to text and even attended his school dance.
2. Growth in the ability to handle a classroom environment.
💚 One kindergartener with autism was able to be in a mainstream kindergarten class after his time with ABA therapy.
3. Growth in cognitive abilities.
💛 One elementary schooler worked hard to be able to read above grade level.
If you think ABA could help your child with autism, contact Discover Hope and find out more.