Common Questions Regarding Autism & ABA Therapy
ASD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, and behaves. It’s called a “spectrum” because the range and severity of symptoms and skills can vary widely. It is not an illness to be cured, but a difference in brain development that requires specific support to help the child reach their full potential.
Lack of social communication: Avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name by 9 months, or rarely sharing interest by pointing or showing objects.
Speech delays: Limited or no spoken language, or loss of words/sentences they once had.
Repetitive behaviors: Hand flapping, body rocking, spinning, or intense focus on parts of objects (like a spinning wheel).
Difficulty with play: Not engaging in functional or imaginative/pretend play.
Sensory differences: Extreme reactions to certain sounds, textures, tastes, or smells.
While the average age of diagnosis is often around 3 to 5 years, ASD can sometimes be reliably detected by a trained professional as early as 18 to 24 months of age. Early identification is critical because it allows a child to begin early intervention services when their brain is most rapidly developing.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most widely recognized, evidence-based therapy for autism spectrum disorder. It is a scientific approach that applies our understanding of how behavior works to real-life situations. The goal is to teach new, beneficial skills (like communication, social skills, and self-help) and reduce challenging behaviors(like aggression or self-injury) by using positive reinforcement.
At FIT IN, ABA is delivered through Intensive One-to-One Therapy, making it highly individualized.
- Assessment: A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts a comprehensive assessment (like the VB-MAPP) to identify your child’s strengths and deficits.
- Individualized Plan: A personalized Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is created with specific, measurable goals.
- Instruction: A trained therapist (often an RBT) works one-on-one with your child using fun, play-based methods to teach skills.
- Data Collection: Progress is tracked daily through data collection, allowing the BCBA to continuously adjust the program to ensure maximum progress.
- Parent Training: We strongly believe in parent involvement to generalize skills to the home and community.
No. ABA is highly effective when integrated with other disciplines. At FIT IN, our programs often include or complement Speech Therapy (ST) and Occupational Therapy (OT).
ST focuses on the mechanics and function of verbal and non-verbal communication.
OT focuses on fine motor skills, self-care, and sensory regulation (like managing proprioceptive seeking).
ABA provides the learning structure and motivation to apply those skills consistently across different settings.
Start with your pediatrician. Voice your concerns clearly and request a formal developmental screening. If the screening is positive or your concerns persist, ask for a referral to a specialist (like a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist) for a comprehensive autism evaluation. You can also contact a center like FIT IN directly to inquire about their developmental assessment services to get a baseline on your child’s current skills.
Parent Training is a structured process where the BCBA teaches you, the caregiver, the principles and specific strategies of your child’s therapy plan. It is mandatory because research shows that parental involvement is crucial for long-term success. When parents understand and apply the same techniques at home, the child’s learning is reinforced 24/7, leading to faster skill acquisition and better maintenance of those skills over time.
The duration of therapy is highly personalized and depends on the child’s individual needs, the intensity of the program, and their rate of progress toward their goals.
Focus on Goals: The goal is not an indefinite timeline, but reaching a point where your child can function and learn effectively with less intensive support, often in a school or community setting.
It’s a “Marathon”: Therapy can range from a few months to several years, with the intensity gradually reduced as your child achieves their objectives. Your BCBA will regularly discuss the long-term plan and transition goals with you.
Preparation for a new environment helps reduce anxiety and fosters positivity. Effective strategies include creating a Social Stories book or visual schedule that outlines the sequence of events, such as attending a larger room, engaging with a teacher, and returning home. Providing comfort items, like a beloved toy or blanket, can instill security. It is essential to present the new setting as enjoyable, emphasizing play with special toys and caring instructors. Establishing a consistent pre-therapy routine, including wake-up times and breakfast, offers predictability that can ease transitions.
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