Applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, therapy is performed by ABA therapists who receive specialized training in this particular technique and the mental health disorder autism. Individuals who become ABA therapist may come from a variety of different backgrounds, such as undergraduate students of psychology, social work and education or people who have graduated in the fields based in child development, mental health, education and early interventions.
Basics
ABA therapy is an early intervention technique commonly used to reduce the signs of autism. According to Help Guide, ABA therapists use a particular set of behavior management techniques to implement rewards and positive reinforcements that are specific to the individual child.
Therapy
ABA therapist are asked to provide treatment in different locations. Children are often engaged in ABA therapy within their homes and at school, in the classroom and outside of the classroom. An in-home ABA therapist visits the child within his home on a regular basis. The therapist engages the child in intensive one-on-one therapy sessions. A child generally has a number of ABA therapists who work with him throughout the week because the total number of hours of ABA therapy a child gets per week will range from 25 to 40 hours, notes Help Guide.
An ABA therapist who works with a child in the school setting may spend time in the classroom to help the child develop positive social skills and learn how to handle himself in the classroom. Also, the therapist may spend time daily working with the child on tasks outside of the classroom.
Significance
Effective ABA therapists can have a significant impact on the life of a child with autism. ABA therapists are specially trained to engage in interventions that have demonstrated their effectiveness at reducing the signs of autism. ABA therapists have an impact on the life of the child, the teachers, other students in the classroom, siblings and parents because of their constant and direct interactions with these people and the child.
Therapist
Generally, a team of ABA therapists work with each particular child, meeting regularly to discuss the direction of therapy, advancements and setbacks and to continuously develop rewards and reinforcements that are particular to the child. An ABA therapist may work on different teams based on the children he is working with. Each ABA therapist spends a few hours a week with each child on his caseload. A lead ABA therapist working with each child spends the majority of his working hours with this child.
Considerations
ABA therapists may be private therapists who work for themselves or may be hired by agencies that provide ABA therapists. Also, parents can learn the techniques necessary to become ABA therapists and can engage in ABA therapy, working with their own children on a regular basis, notes Talk About Curing Autism. Parents who desire to become ABA therapists must be aware of the significance of this position. ABA therapy is an intensive process and requires consistency and constant attention. The efforts required for successful ABA therapy may be too much for a parent to undertake, and outside help must be considered.
