Every single child has unique abilities and strengths. Children with Autism are no exception!
What is not widely recognized is that your child with autism’s unique strengths and abilities can be used as a tool to reinforce ABA therapy plans and enhance overall outcomes. But before we dive deeper, allow us to explain, if you do not already know, what ABA therapy is.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely used treatment approach for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA therapy focuses on using behavior and learning principles to teach new skills and improve behaviors.
Delivered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), ABA therapy is designed to support children in reducing problematic behaviors and developing new skills.
In order to improve the results of ABA therapy, behaviour analysts recognize a child’s unique strengths and abilities, which can be used to a child’s advantage in ABA therapy.
Here are some examples of strengths and abilities commonly seen in children with ASD, and how they can be incorporated into an ABA therapy plan to improve outcomes:
- Strong Visual-Spatial Skills
A lot of children with ASD have a talent for visual-spatial tasks, such as building or drawing. These strong visual skills can be utilized in ABA therapy by incorporating visual aids, such as pictures or diagrams, to help teach new skills or behaviors.
- Excellent Memory Skills
Most children with ASD have impressive memory skills, which can be beneficial in ABA therapy. Behavior analysts can include memory tasks and games into therapy sessions to successfully reinforce new skills and behaviors.
- Attention to Detail
Many children with ASD have a keen eye for details and may notice things that others miss. This strong attention for details can be used in ABA therapy by incorporating activities that require attention to detail, such as puzzles or matching games.
- Focused Interests
Children with ASD often have a deep and intense interest in a particular topic. This strength can be used in ABA therapy by incorporating the child’s interest into therapy sessions. For example, a child who is passionate about trains could learn new skills related to trains, such as how to play with train toys with other children.
By incorporating a child’s unique strengths and abilities into therapy sessions, ABA therapy can be more effective in helping children with ASD develop new skills and reduce problematic behaviors.
At Step Forward ABA our behavior analysts play on your child’s strengths and abilities to reinforce ABA therapy outcomes. Let us help your child reach his/her goals with ABA therapy! Contact us today to learn more.
