The most effective treatment for ASD is Applied Behavioral Analysis or ABA. It focuses on behavior analysis and behavior response to the world.

 

There is a widespread misconception that high-functioning children do not benefit from ABA. Play therapy is typically recommended for ASD children who fall into this category rather than behavior therapy. However, depending on the needs of the child, ABA strategies for behavior management may provide varying levels of structure to these children. High-functioning children can learn in a less structured way with a modified ABA program. ABA techniques are crucial and extremely effective for this population. ABA therapy courses can be modified to meet the needs of children with autism who are enrolled in an ABA program.

How should ABA be customized for a higher functioning child?

• Behavioral therapy aims to assist children in reaching the skill level of their typically developing peers. Behavioral treatment can be modified to teach complex behaviors and social skills such as recognizing others’ facial expressions and nonverbal behavior, developing cooperative social behavior, verbalizing empathy, and conversing with peers on a wide range of topics rather than a narrow range of interests.
• For an ASD child who is “low-functioning” and for one who is “high-functioning,” behavioral therapy may look very different. Other behaviorally sound procedures, such as incidental teaching, video modeling, and generalization in the natural environment, may be emphasized more strongly in addition to discrete trials (one-on-one therapy for children with lower functioning).
• Behavioral therapy aims to help a child learn in less structured environments in the future (for example, in peer groups). However, the principles of applied behavior analysis are frequently essential to a child’s success even in these less structured settings. Among these principles are:

1. 1. defining measurable change behaviors,
   2. looking into the function of inappropriate behaviors,
   3. reinforcing appropriate behaviors, and
   4. routinely measuring progress.

What are the benefits of ABA for a child with higher functioning?

• Reduce Rash Reactions – teaches children how to respond to outbursts more calmly by moving their bodies and taking deep breaths.
• Regulate Emotions – teaches children self-regulation by providing them with the tools they need to deal with complicated emotions through engaging activities and exercises.
• Improve Communication Skills – through engaging activities and hands-on exercises, children can improve their communication, social skills, and behavior.
• Learn Independent Thinking Skills – developing their independent thinking skills through repeated lessons and activities.

Parents who refuse behavioral treatment because their child is already “high-functioning” may miss out on an effective intervention.

 

Nurture Pods has a place for you, no matter where your child falls on the spectrum. We believe that through fun and engaging activities, every child can reach their full potential. Nurture Pods is an intervention center that works with children ages 3 to 12 who have special needs. We have experienced therapists who are committed to assisting your child in reaching their full potential! Learn more about our ABA programs today!

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 20 February 2023