Beyond Skills: How ABA Therapy Can Also Build Confidence & Independence

When first seeking out ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy, the first priority of the family may be focused on skill-building, such as following directions, navigating social situations, learning to communicate more effectively, improving emotional regulation skills, and so on. This is absolutely an important focus and a large part of what ABA is about, but beyond that, sessions have the added benefit of helping build confidence and independence.

At its core, ABA aims to empower autistic children to believe in themselves, understand themselves, and advocate for themselves in a way that allows them to live on their own terms.

Building Self-Esteem Through Skill Mastery

Through ABA therapy sessions, skills and challenges are addressed by breaking down tasks into small, more manageable steps that make sense to each child. These micro steps make achievements feel more within reach, and provide a less overwhelming path toward success. As each step gets mastered, they move on to the next, building a true sense of pride as they earn progress on their own terms. As these small wins build into milestones, the child sees that they can hurdle over their challenges while continuing to grow.

Teaching Independence Through Choices

Building decision-making skills is an important component of ABA therapy, helping children not only understand their own preferences but empowering them to advocate for themselves. Right now the choices may be between choosing which snack they want to eat, what toy they want to play with, or what color crayon to use, but the confidence to stand by their choices will extend far into the future. As they learn to express autonomy in small, seemingly inconsequential ways, they are also building that muscle for future decisions that are far more important, like setting boundaries, communicating needs and living life as independently as possible.   

Increasing Motivation Through Goal-Setting

Throughout ABA therapy, many goals will be set and worked toward. This is a natural part of the process, providing a finish line to work toward. But it’s not just about reaching an objective, it’s also about becoming comfortable working toward something important and all that entails. When working toward goals, children will learn to adjust to setbacks, understand their own skills and needs more, and most importantly how to celebrate progress. As each goal is achieved, pausing to recognize and celebrate that instills a sense of belief that the effort is worth it, improving motivation to continue. This belief will stay with them beyond ABA therapy, setting a framework for staying motivated throughout life.

Increased Confidence Is The Key To Opening Doors

No matter what it looks like - verbal speech, sign language, visual devices, etc. - communication in some form is a vital part of independence. ABA therapy prioritizes functional communication, helping the child strengthen their ability to express their needs, preferences and feelings in a way that feels comfortable to them while making it clear to others. Adding new words, gestures, expressions, and understanding to their repertoire will continue to open doors toward more independence while improving confidence in a powerful way. Each new word, expression or gesture makes it easier for the child to move through the world in a way that helps them connect with others and advocate for themselves in a more empowered way.

Safe Risks Boost Resilience

ABA therapy is the perfect opportunity for a child to safely take risks in a structured way that provides support for difficulties. Throughout sessions, children will have the opportunity to try something new, solve problems and face challenges. Each person’s path looks different, and sometimes the wrong route gets taken and a detour is needed. Within a compassionate, supportive environment, children can learn that a mistake or setback isn't a failure - it’s simply a learning experience that teaches them more about themselves. This process helps build resilience and confidence, instilling a belief that it’s always okay to try again until you figure it out.

ABA Therapy Supports Confidence and Growth

ABA therapy offers a multitude of benefits for children with autism, helping both the child and their families have a better understanding of what does and doesn’t work for them. While working on building important life skills, ABA therapy also helps children walk into their full potential by also prioritizing confidence-building and resiliency. The goal of modern ABA therapy isn’t to shove any child into a societal standard by focusing solely on what the child does. It’s also about empowering each individual child to understand themselves, feel confident in who they are, and trust themselves as they build a life that feels good to them.

If you’re interested in learning more about how ABA therapy can help your child build confidence, independence and skills that will stay with them for life, contact Bloom Behavioral Healthcare LLC today. Every child deserves to feel empowered in who they are, and we’re here to help them thrive!