Child ABA Therapy
ABA Therapy for Children Ages 2-12
ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum between the ages of two and twelve is highly effective. Whether you have a neurodivergent junior in middle school or a toddler on the spectrum who needs some support achieving their milestones, our Applied Behavior Analysis programs can help them flourish! By employing behavioral techniques backed by decades of science and research studies, we empower children with autism to be their authentic selves while learning and strengthening new skills!
ABA Centers of Pennsylvania recognizes that every child on the spectrum is unique and has specific challenges and incredible gifts. With this insight, we create individualized plans for every child we treat. Our programs are customized to meet the needs of the individual and their family’s goals.
An accurate autism diagnosis typically occurs around two years old. Each child diagnosed with autism will express different symptoms. The severity of their behaviors and actions can vary tremendously and affect their ability to communicate and function in many ways.
Child ABA Therapy in Pennsylvania
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Skills Your Child Will Learn in ABA Therapy:
Coping Skills
We will teach your child essential skills for self-management, like how to regulate their emotions. Other skills include impulse control, engaging in thoughtfulness, and learning to make better choices.
Daily Living Skills
We will work with your child on completing critical daily tasks like teeth brushing, dressing, and self-grooming. Our BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) and RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) will break down skills to help your child develop practical routines for everyday living.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
We will engage your child in activities that refine their critical motor skills like:
- Finding a hidden object in a ball of putty, clay, or Playdoh
- Placing highly preferred snacks into plastic containers or bags, then quickly closing and opening them
- Playing with slime and encouraging the child to be mindful of the sensation
- Using a squeeze bottle to water plants and flowers
- Playing with blocks or Legos
- Placing beads on a string
- Cutting out simple shapes
- Playing with marbles
Writing/Reading
We will work with your child on activities that help them with reading and writing, like:
- Tracing over lines or activities that include copying
- Doodling or scribbling
- Copying
- Coloring
These activities help refine motor skills and muscles needed for writing. Engaging a child in activities like these is an example of how ABA treatment can lead them to achieve meaningful life goals they can use later, like learning to handwrite!
Social and Play Skills
Engaging in play skills may include:
- Playing with toys and gadgets that vibrate, squeak, move or shake
- Engaging in pretend play, like feeding a stuffed bear or pouring pretend tea
- Sharing and taking turns
- Exploring interests and communicating choices
Perception/Visual Skills
We encourage the exploration and communication of passion and interests. We employ activities like:
- Matching and sorting
- Selecting same objects
- Visual memory games
- Finding hidden items among busy visuals like “Where’s Waldo.”
The Value of Positive Reinforcement in ABA Therapy
Positive reinforcement is a considerable element of ABA Therapy.
When a behavior is reinforced by something the child finds valuable, they are more likely to repeat it. Over time, the behavior becomes natural.
In ABA Therapy, a BCBA identifies a behavior they want to see more of, like participating in circle time or waiting patiently for a snack. The provider reinforcers the desired behavior to encourage it. For this approach to be effective, the child must find the reward or reinforcer highly motivating and specific to their interests.
Great reinforcers include social praise, favorite toys, special videos or songs, and access to favorite people or locations. Positive reinforcement encourages a child to continue practicing a skill, showing them that good things happen as a result. These ABA behavioral techniques lead to meaningful change that lasts over time.
ABA Centers of Pennsylvania
At ABA Centers of Pennsylvania, we are dedicated to understanding the unique needs of your family. Regardless of where your child is in their stage of learning or development, we can ensure our ABA therapy approach offers them the best opportunity to lead a happy, rewarding, and gratifying life. For more information about us, contact (844) 444-7496 to discuss your options with a team of experts now.