If your child has behavioral or learning issues, they may benefit from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. ABA therapy can be effective for autism, ADHD, PTSD (trauma/stress), learning or speaking disabilities, to name several diagnoses. At Colorado Behavior and Learning Group, our team of licensed ABA Therapists offer advanced comprehensive ABA therapies to promote positive and effective change for children. The team at Colorado Behavior and Learning Group uses a trauma informed approach and encourages other specialties (Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Music Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling) to cotreat with our ABA team for the best results. Get started today:Â
What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied behavioral analysis is a therapy that improves social, communication, and learning skills through one-on-one treatment. It contains a specific approach designed for your child’s needs. It includes several phases to focus on their specific issues and help them overcome those issues. The goal is to encourage your child to recognize negative behaviors and replace them with positive ones.
What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on specific behaviors such as social interaction, communication, learning skills, and specific disabilities. It has extensive scientific backing. It is an interpersonal therapy where your child works one-on-one with a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) to improve skills by using positive reinforcement. Your Board Certified Behavior Analyst will work with your child to develop a set of behavior goals and they are rewarded when they reach a goal. Continued rewards help instill those positive behaviors.
When your child begins ABA therapy, the first step will always be what is called a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). This is an in-person session that is part interaction and part direct observation with your child. The FBA is done in a relaxing environment and the ABA professional will note findings, observations, and information about your child’s environment.
After the initial assessment, the ABA professional will create a list of behaviors, triggers, and notes about your child. From there, they will create a Behavior Intervention Plan unique to your child. This plan lays out strategies for modifying negative behavior and sets benchmarks for behavior. The ABA professional will also look at past case files if your child has been to therapy in the past and may interact with teachers, parents, or other important figures in your child’s life.
In conclusion, through achieving benchmarks in learning and behavior during therapy, your child will carry what they have learned into everyday environments. This can help them overcome social and learning obstacles and flourish developmentally.
Who Can Benefit from ABA Therapy?
Applied behavior analysis therapy is beneficial to anyone struggling with issues in social, communication, behavior, or learning skills. ABA therapy is most commonly related to the treatment of autism, due to numerous studies conducted showing evidence of increased language and communication skills, improved attention, focus, and social skills. It is very successful in overcoming problematic behavior in a wide variety of areas. Some of these include:
- attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- panic disorder
- language and communication disorders
- learning disorders
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- oppositional defiant disorder
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
How Long Is Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy?
There is no specific number of sessions or hours to succeed in ABA therapy, but the best long-term results are seen when a thorough time commitment is invested. ABA is more immersive than traditional one-hour therapy sessions. They typically last from 2 to 5 hours based on the specific issue or disability your child is dealing with. After your child’s initial evaluation, your ABA professional will include their recommendations on the number of hours per week and frequency. At this point, you will work with them to develop a schedule.
Research has found that a higher volume of hours at a young age predicted greater progress and better long-term results. This can often mean 30 to 40 hours a week. As your child makes progress, the volume of hours will decrease. A Board Certified Behavior Analysts’ goal is to work with your child until they make consistent progress in outside environments.
Depending on their age and specific needs, your child may be able to participate in applied behavior analysis therapy sessions during school hours. In conclusion, when considering the length of ABA therapy and volume of hours, it is important to remember it is an early commitment to a lifetime of success for your child.
Is Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Due to advocacy work over the past decade, more and more insurance companies are covering a good portion of applied behavior analysis therapy. Your coverage will vary depending on your plan and varies state by state. In fact, some insurance companies are embracing it due to the positive outcomes and fully covering the therapy.
If you believe your child may benefit from ABA therapy, the first step you can take is to speak with a professional trained in applied behavior analysis therapy. You can also speak to your child’s pediatrician or another medical professional about ABA. If your pediatrician or medical provider believes ABA therapy is right for your child, they can write you a prescription for your insurance company. Due to the volume length of time, it is important to get very specific (coordinate directly with) your insurance provider about the coverage.
Get Started
We have three ABA Therapy Centers in Colorado Springs at:
Academy, La Salle, and Galley.
Get started with ABA therapy today: