Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-based treatment that focuses on modifying behavior by changing the environment, teaching new skills, and training caregivers.
ABA therapy is the advised treatment when modifications of behaviors are needed. ABA therapy has demonstrated high effectiveness in modifying maladaptive behaviors or any behavior that constitutes a barrier to a healthier life and more inclusive opportunities to be part of the age group or the social environment.
ABA therapy is used to modify the behavior by changing the environment and the contingencies of the behavior. There are different levels of interventions according to the client's needs, intellectual capacity, and self-management skills.
People need to be evaluated by a Behavior Analyst or any qualified professional who determines the medical necessity of this treatment. However, every insurance has its particular requirements. For children, a Comprehensive Evaluation by a Psychologist, a referral from their MD, neurologist, or Psychiatrist, and the prescription of this therapy met the requirements for all the insurance to start the process.
Treatment results depend on multiple variables. The treatment has been demonstrated to be very effective. However, many other variables play a role in ABA effectiveness. It depends on the client's age (how long the client has engaged in those behaviors), the consistency of the treatment across settings, the involvement of the family or people who are part of the client's environment. There are other barriers that are explained to each client/family at the onset of treatment.