
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy was developed in the 1960’s as a revolutionary approach that aimed to offer support to individuals with autism or other developmental struggles. Today, ABA Therapy is going strong, now one of the most highly recommended and effective services for autistic children. However, there are many differences between the practices of early ABA Therapy and the modern version used by Bloom Behavioral Healthcare. It’s common to hear apprehensions about ABA Therapy due to negative misconceptions based on its history, but it’s important to learn the differences between what was and what is to get a better understanding of the evolution of the process and how it can help families today.
The Early Days of ABA Therapy: The Way It Was
Early professionals practicing ABA Therapy were highly focused on modifying the behavior of autistic individuals, using punishment-based reinforcement to modify what were deemed to be negative behaviors. Common autistic traits like stimming were discouraged with procedures put into place intended to stop stimming behaviors, often at the detriment of the individual. Programming lacked flexibility and consideration for the overall wellbeing of the patient, instead prioritizing compliance. Therapists limited involvement of families, implementing strict methods in a clinical setting with the sole goal of eliminating “problem” behaviors with no regard to individual preferences or needs, often causing more harm than good.
Modern ABA Therapy: The Way It Is
Criticism of ABA Therapy based on past practices is understandable and warranted. Fortunately, through a combination of more research, feedback and an overall more emphatic view on neurodivergence, ABA Therapy has made a significant shift over the years to what it is today. The focus of modern ABA Therapy - and a priority here at Bloom - is using a compassionate, personalized approach that keeps the individual and their well-being at the forefront.
ABA Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every person is unique, so therefore their individual needs will also differ. At Bloom, treatment plans are created based on an assessment and family interview that take into consideration that child’s specific strengths, needs and goals. Some of the main ways that modern ABA Therapy differs from the past include:
Natural Settings: While ABA Therapy can still take place within clinics and offices, most of the time it’s preferred in a more natural setting. Integrating therapy sessions into the child’s real life settings - home, school, community settings - makes a greater impact on the success of therapy.
Positive Reinforcement: ABA Therapy now relies exclusively on positive reinforcement to encourage a shift toward more beneficial and self-serving behaviors. Whereas in the past a punishment may have been given for failure to comply, now a reward system is set up based on the child’s own interests with the goal of individual and desired growth that aims to meet their specific goals as opposed to a rigid set of societal standards.
Family Collaboration: At Bloom, we believe that family - and other caregivers - play an extremely vital role when it comes to success of treatment. Children with autism thrive with a sense of routine and predictability, and that can be difficult without collaboration across the board. We actively include parents or caregivers, teachers and other important members of the child’s life when it comes to setting goals, implementing strategies and celebrating progress.
Individualized Success: Modern ABA Therapy recognizes that each person has their own unique set of strengths, struggles, needs and goals. Treatment plans are created with that in mind, measuring the effectiveness against the child’s own progress and not against a generic standard. We are not focused just on behavior modification, but on improving skills that work toward that particular child’s overall happiness, well-being and quality of life.
Focus on Autonomy: In the past, ABA therapists worked to eliminate stimming behaviors. Now, it’s understood that stimming is a coping tool that neurodivergent people use to regulate their emotions and anxiety. Treatment goals may aim to recognize triggers in order to decrease the frequency or severity of certain stimming behavior, but not at the cost of the child’s own autonomy. Instead of elimination, the goal is to help recognize the emotion or discomfort causing the behavior and develop alternate ways to self-soothe in a way more conducive to the child’s overall goals. Throughout sessions, the unique needs of the child are prioritized, with their input considered and encouraged as they learn self-advocacy skills.
The Future ABA Therapy: The Way It Will Be
As time goes on, ABA Therapy will continue to evolve. Ongoing research mixed with a greater mainstream understanding of neurodiversity has - and will continue to - shape the way the world sees autism. Differences deserve to be celebrated and allowed to blossom, and that belief is now being reflected with greater advocacy, more empathy and a shift to more holistic approaches. Technology has also improved accessibility by providing apps and resources helpful for autism support, and that will only increase as time goes on. We can’t predict the future, but we can promise that at Bloom we will always put compassion first, prioritize our client’s individuality and push back against outdated, harmful practices or thought processes.
Contact Bloom Behavioral Healthcare for Compassionate ABA Therapy
Bloom Behavioral Healthcare provides ABA Therapy for the Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Holt, Liberty, Lawson, Kansas City and surrounding areas. We accept a variety of insurance plans with self-pay options also available. If you’re looking for more information or would like to schedule a time to discuss ABA Therapy for your child, please contact us.
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