What is Early Intervention ABA Therapy For Autism?
In recent decades, early intervention ABA therapy for autism has been an increasingly common health and wellness practice. Our autism center in Phoenix offers this type of treatment, as well as programs that continue throughout childhood. Pinnacle also offers in-home ABA.
In this article, we’ll look at the basics of ABA treatment (applied behavior analysis) as well as what defines “early intervention” in a general sense. Basically, it is a behavioral (as opposed to verbal) psychological technique that establishes desirable patterns in very early childhood.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied behavior analysis is a systematic, scientific, extremely well-documented approach to establishing desirable behavior patterns and reducing undesirable ones. That makes it excellent as a treatment for many of the behaviors associated with autism.
For example, ABA often helps children establish verbal skills. It typically helps reduce “stimming”, a behavior that provides stimulation for the child, if present. It helps teach social skills, academic skills, domestic tasks, and much more.
Nearly everything that we do as humans can be understood in terms of behavior. ABA seeks to analyze behaviors (and chains of behaviors) to identify and establish patterns.
Many of us do this through various standard learning processes. However, it can be difficult (and sometimes impossible) for children on the spectrum to accomplish without highly targeted ABA therapy techniques.
Why Does Early Intervention Matter?
The earlier that autism therapy starts, the more likely it is that the child will have a positive treatment outcome. Conversely, adult or late adolescent autism is notoriously difficult to treat.
Therefore, over the history of ABA since the mid-twentieth century, the trend has been towards earlier recognition of autism as well as techniques that are suited towards younger children. Luckily, the overall principle of behavioral over “talk” therapy has always been an excellent match for younger children, non-verbal patients, and so on.
Earlier identification has been such a priority that childhood autism screenings are now part of the standard insurance packages in many areas across the world. Pediatricians are being trained to recognize the earliest signs of autism, and often refer potential cases to autism screening experts or behavioral therapists for further examination and diagnosis.
Taking Advantage of Progress in the Field
If you received such a referral, or if you got a diagnosis from a specialist, then you might understandably be upset. However, from our perspective as medical professionals, you are truly lucky to be able to act quickly.
We love early diagnoses because they put us in the best possible position to make the largest possible difference in a child’s life. Ten or even five years ago, you might not have known so early.
It might seem like you have time, but we would urge you to consider us or another ABA professional first. You have a head start — please do not waste it with alternatives that do not have the virtually unanimous support of the international medical community.
For any questions at all, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Pinnacle Autism Therapy. We are standing by with a full range of early intervention ABA therapy in Phoenix, serving the whole Valley. Click here for information on how we are dealing with COVID.
