What is ABA therapy

Applied Behavioral Analysis is a scientific discipline that studies behavior and the factors that influence behavior in the environment.

At the moment, this is one of the most effective methods of behavior correction, which allows you to systematically study a person’s behavior, objectively measure and describe behavior, determine the cause of problem behavior and create a reasonable individual correction plan.

The main three areas of applied behavior analysis are:

• Correction of socially unpleasant behavior;
• Structured skills training;
• Analysis and training of verbal behavior.

The goal of using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is to improve the quality of life of the child and his family. Applied behavior analysis is not a strategy for manipulating people.

Which children need therapy?

First of all, children with autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the world's population. This is a condition that includes problems with social behavior and communication skills, sensory perception, movement and fine motor skills, speech and intellectual abilities. Experts consider it more correct to use the term “autism spectrum disorder (ASD)” rather than “autism.” After all, there is a wide range of symptoms and degrees of severity that vary greatly from person to person.

Symptoms of autism usually appear in early childhood, before age 3. These include impairments in communication, social contact, and repetitive or restricted activities. This may (or may not) be due to speech delays or mental retardation. Those with ASD often demonstrate atypical reactions to sensory stimuli, such as unusual sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and taste. They may start screaming or go into a stupor even at the slightest sound or flash of light. Other common symptoms include a need for repetition, restlessness, and, in some cases, surprising abilities in certain areas (often music and mathematics).

Signs of autism spectrum disorder in children:

• Absence or delay of spoken speech.
• Repeating certain phrases over and over again.
• Involuntary repetitive movements, a special gait (flapping arms, walking on your toes, swaying).
• Fleeting eye contact (or its absence at all - the child simply does not pay attention to anyone).
• Inadequate reaction to sound and light.
• Lack of interest in relationships with peers.
• Inability to participate in spontaneous play.
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects, inability to perceive the picture as a whole.

Attention: only a psychiatrist can diagnose an autism spectrum disorder.