5 Ways Applied Behavioral Analysis Can Help Children With Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), impacts the normal development of areas within the brain that affect a child’s social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function.

It’s typically diagnosed in early childhood, usually before age 3, and may cause difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, thinking skills, and leisure, play, or school activities.

PediaPlex is a child development center with locations in Fort Worth, Frisco, and Southlake, Texas. Our center’s founder and CEO, Sonia Kirkpatrick, MBA, recognized the need for a facility like PediaPlex during her personal experience of helping a child navigate the challenges of Asperger’s syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with dyspraxia.   

We’ve since built a team of highly trained specialists who offer all-inclusive diagnostic and therapeutic services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for children and families who are facing the challenge of autism.

How can applied behavioral analysis therapy help my child?

Often described as the gold standard of treatment for autism, ABA therapy helps children develop behavioral skills that enhance their ability and confidence in interacting with others in their family, school, and social communities.

At PediaPlex, we incorporate ABA into a comprehensive care plan that’s individualized to meet your child’s needs. When combined with other therapies we offer, such as speech and occupational therapy, the benefits of ABA include:

Positive social interaction with others

During ABA sessions, your child’s therapist uses positive reinforcement, redirection, and other evidence-based methods to establish and reach behavioral goals such as taking turns to talk, remaining composed when things don’t go their way, and asking for help when necessary.

Improved parental and family participation

One of our goals at PediaPlex is to help parents, siblings, and other caregivers develop strategies for reinforcing positive behaviors such as sharing toys or completing self-care tasks as applicable such as getting dressed in the morning.

Increased school readiness

Behavior introduced and reinforced through ABA therapy helps children transition into the school setting. Your child can learn to listen as others talk, avoid shouting out during lessons, and get along with others in classroom and playground group settings.

Specialists at PediaPlex also work closely with local schools and other community centers to ensure children with autism experience the best care possible in public and social settings.    

Improved confidence and self-esteem

As your child learns to move through what may initially seem like a complex maze of rules and social norms, their confidence level often rises dramatically. Our programs are designed to work with your child’s level of development and build upon previously learned skills as they advance through therapy.

Refutes common stereotypes associated with autism

Perhaps one of the most rewarding results of ABA is helping your child and individuals in their community of family, friends, and caregivers recognize their potential for learning and behavior modification.

While the services we offer at PediaPlex are often life-changing, our therapists are careful to ensure you and your child enjoy the process of growth and development.

For more information about ABA or other therapies we provide, schedule an evaluation today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.