Getting What You Need Out Of Counseling

As a parent, you always want to be sure you are doing everything you can to support and care for your child. Sometimes, this will include taking them to see a therapist. Therapy for children comes in many forms and can help with a myriad of issues your child may be having. One therapy commonly used in children is ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy. If your child's therapist has mentioned this approach to you, you may be curious about it. Learn some of the facts about ABA therapy. Then, you can better decide if it is the right option for your child going forward. 

ABA Therapy Can Improve Several Skills

The main focus of ABA therapy is on modifying behaviors but in the process, there is skill-building involved. Your child will build skills in their communication and learning as well as in socialization.

Improving these skill areas can have a major impact on a child's life. These skill sets are a major part of child development as a whole and can set the tone for your child's interactions with the world. 

ABA Can Treat Autism

If your child is autistic, ABA therapy is considered to be one of the best possible therapeutic options available. This is because most children with autism struggle a great deal with certain areas of development, namely communication and developing appropriate social skills. ABA therapy focuses heavily on these areas. 

Additionally, ABA therapy involves positive reinforcement rather than negative punishment techniques. In other words, "good" or desirable behaviors are rewarded with praise or sometimes with tangible "prizes" while negative behaviors receive less attention (to help discourage them). This positive reinforcement is something that children with autism respond to well. 

However, while ABA therapy is a treatment used often for children with autism it is not only used for autism. Children from all walks of life can benefit from ABA therapy. It can treat a number of developmental disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and of course, children that are not necessarily diagnosed with a disorder can benefit as well. 

ABA Therapy Involves the Parent and the Child

Because ABA therapy involves positive reinforcement and behavior modifications, it is important that the parent(s) are involved in therapy along with the child. It is not enough for just the child to go to therapy. Some sessions will be just the therapist and child, but some will be to help train the parents as well. 

That way, parents will know what their child is being told to do or try in therapy, and they will be able to provide support, guidance, and positive reinforcement for those behaviors at home. This parental involvement is a key component to success in ABA therapy. 

Now that you know more about ABA therapy and how it can help your child, you can be sure you and your child's therapist discuss this option further.