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The Effectiveness of ABA Therapy

The foundation of Caravel’s autism care is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Having passed scientific tests of usefulness, quality, and effectiveness, ABA is considered an evidence-based, best-practice therapy by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.

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What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA is designed to help your child develop the verbal and social skills necessary to move from being motivated primarily by sensory and motor stimuli in the environment to being motivated primarily by verbal and social interactions with other people. The goal is to improve cognitive, language, social, and self-help skills. During ABA therapy, baselines are established to set goals, which are then broken down into small steps. The steps are organized into a logical order and taught one at a time.

Benefits of ABA Therapy

Caravel’s individualized ABA therapy plans for each child are rooted in the reinforcement of positive behavior. Rewarding positive behavior encourages a child to repeat that behavior.

1 School Readiness

2 Improved Communication

3 Enhanced Social Interaction

4 Increased Independence

5 Reduced Challenging Behaviors

School Readiness

Helps young children develop a range of everyday skills and prepare to transition to school.

Improved Communication

Supports the development of effective communication skills, promoting verbal and nonverbal expression.

Enhanced Social Interaction

Helps children develop crucial social skills, fostering positive interaction and cooperation with others.

Increased Independence

Empowers children to acquire essential life skills, enhancing their independence and self-reliance.

Reduced Challenging Behaviors

Uses targeted interventions to mitigate challenging behaviors, leading to a more harmonious family environment.

Which Skills Does ABA Therapy Address?

ABA therapy is extremely effective in fostering skill development for children living with autism in a variety of areas—including communication skills, play and social skills, and adaptive and daily living skills.

Social Skills Training within ABA Therapy Plans

ABA-based social skills training allows children to learn social, behavioral, and play skills. The training includes fun, interactive experiences designed to encourage children to interact with their peers through role playing or arranged peer play in a small group. Social skills acquired include:

  • Positive Interaction

    ABA therapy teaches children how to engage in rewarding social exchanges, building positive relationships with others.

  • Cooperation

    Children learn to work together with others, share, take turns, and follow directions, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.

  • Communication

    ABA helps individuals develop effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills, enabling them to express needs, wants, and emotions clearly.

  • Boundaries

    Children are taught to recognize and respect personal space, as well as understand and follow social rules and expectations.

  • Listening Skills

    ABA focuses on improving attention span and the ability to process information, leading to better understanding and response to others.

  • Attention

    Therapy helps children develop focus and concentration, essential for social interactions and learning new skills.

  • Friendship

    ABA supports the development of meaningful connections with peers, teaching skills like initiating interactions, maintaining conversations, and showing empathy.

  • Teamwork

    Children learn to collaborate with others towards a common goal, building cooperation and problem-solving abilities.

Child engaged in independent play with colorful magnetic tiles indoors.

Clinic-Based Settings

We prefer to deliver as much of a child’s therapy as possible in the more controlled setting of a clinic-based environment, as research supports better outcomes under these circumstances. Our therapy areas are specifically optimized for a variety of therapeutic activities based on your child’s individualized therapy plan.

Caravel clinics offer one-to-one therapy and peer interaction in a welcoming, child-friendly environment designed especially for children on the autism spectrum. We have ample space for children to engage in activities that promote exercise as well as opportunities to improve communication and social skills.

In Their Own Words

Frequently Asked Questions

ABA is often prescribed for people with autism and can be provided in schools, homes, clinics, and community settings. ABA is based on the science of behavior. It is individualized based on the an individual’s strengths and the challenges they experience. ABA providers are called behavior analysts. Like other medical and behavioral health providers, behavior analysts rely upon strategies and procedures from peer-reviewed research. They continually evaluate and customize therapy options based on the needs of the person with autism. Behavior analysts request and integrate information from the individual and their caregivers and coordinate care with other professionals who serve that individual. The oldest and largest national certification board in ABA is the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). BACB certification can help health plans and subscribers identify qualified ABA providers.

Yes. ABA providers work with the person with autism and their circle of support to learn what is important to them over different points in time. For example,

  • for a toddler, this may be learning to speak or point;
  • for a tween, this could be learning how to safely walk in a parking lot or take turns playing video games with peers;
  • for a teenager, this could be learning how to navigate social media or practicing healthful hygiene.

ABA providers celebrate each individuals unique identity and personality and incorporate personal preferences throughout therapy.

No. Safety, dignity, and personal preference are essential components of any ABA program. ABA providers work directly with people with autism to choose meaningful goals. For example, ABA therapists implement programs that can help create awareness of existing societal expectations so that they can make informed choices.

Yes. Choice is an essential part of an ABA program. Providers incorporate choice throughout the therapy process. This begins at intake when an individual and their caregivers work with providers to set goals that are important to them. The incorporation of choice is continually evaluated throughout therapy.

ABA providers teach evidence-based communication skills to people with autism so they can express their own wants and needs. This in turn strengthens their ability to advocate and participate in ongoing therapy decisions and person-centered planning. ABA therapy focuses on empowering people with autism to navigate their world and live connected and healthy lives.

No. All recipients of ABA services have a right to receive effective therapy that is free from exploitation. ABA providers who exploit or attempt to use their power to take advantage of individuals with autism should be reported to the appropriate legal or regulatory authorities.

Yes. All science-based health care professions are constantly evolving. ABA is just over a half-century old, and its evolving research findings have increasingly allowed providers to provide more personalized and effective services.

Yes. ABA providers very deliberately consider why clients behave the way they do. An entire methodology known as functional behavior assessment is designed around this basic idea. These reasons are expected to be incorporated into therapy to ensure needs, wants, and preferences are being met.