Let Freedom Ring: Celebrating Independence through Autonomy with ABA

Let Freedom Ring: Celebrating Independence through Autonomy with ABA

The upcoming holiday is known for fireworks, cookouts and fun, but the reason for the celebration revolves around the concept of freedom. Freedom means different things to different people, and for families raising children with autism, the word and meaning are very personal.

Part of our mission at Bloom Behavioral Healthcare is to help children develop their own sense of independence, however that may look. We believe it’s not just about the big milestones, but also lies in the daily moments that build up to foster confidence, communication and self-reliance. This 4th of July week, we’re here to celebrate and elaborate on the many ways ABA Therapy can support your child in building a life they can navigate more freely.

Small Wins, Big Impact

Independence often can begin with basic self-care concepts. This may include brushing teeth and hair, getting dressed, using the bathroom, and so on - all of the small, everyday tasks that become building blocks for a more independent future.

Within ABA Therapy, we use task analysis to break routines they are learning into smaller, more manageable steps. The goal is to empower them to take control of their own days, and we work on this by providing clear prompts, positive reinforcement and repetition. For example, teaching a child how to pack their own backpack each morning can become an ingrained routine that boosts confidence that sets a positive and encouraging tone for the entire day ahead.

Empowered Communication

Being able to express themselves - however that may be - is one of the most powerful forms of independence. Regardless of if a child is verbal, uses a communication device or visual aids, or is working on gestures, ABA Therapy helps support functional communication. Determining the best communication method for your child in the moment and helping them master it gives them the ability to express their needs, make their own choices and be able to advocate for themselves.

These practices may seem simple on the surface - teaching them to request a break when needed or choose between two things as examples - but it’s a fundamental aspect of autonomy.

Safe Decision Making

When we promote independence, that doesn’t mean we are saying “on their own.” It simply means providing the tools needed to have the confidence to make their own choices. Through ABA sessions, we often will give children structured opportunities to practice decision-making - choosing what game to play, picking what order we do things, etc.

As time goes on, making these choices build decision-making skills that will become stronger over time. The flexibility, problem-solving and confidence that comes with these skills will be used not just at home but at school and within community settings.

Celebrating Progress

It’s important to recognize that autism looks different for every child, and therefore so does independence - and that’s okay. Whether the milestone is dressing themselves for the first time, communicating a need or making a snack, the thing that matters the most is their growth and progress. This 4th of July, take a moment to reflect and celebrate on how far your child has come. Know that the skills they are building now may take time to blossom, but they are putting down roots that will bloom into greater freedom, confidence and connection throughout their lives.

If you are looking for personalized support to help your child strengthen their independence, we’d love to be a part of your journey. Contact Bloom Behavioral Healthcare for more information on how we can help your child build the skills they need to thrive - on their own terms.