After learning that your child has autism, your next question is likely to be: what now? While the diagnosis may be scary, early and intensive treatment is essential. With the right type of program, many kids experience significant gains in their ability to communicate, socialize, and learn. Often, the best fit is applied behavior analysis (ABA)–a program offered at Kaufman Children’s Center.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Because it has been studied for decades and has the largest body of research to support its effectiveness, ABA is generally considered the gold standard in autism treatment. It offers a two-pronged approach: helping children acquire critical skills to be successful, and also identifying and reducing challenging behaviors that interfere with their daily life.
Each child’s behavior plan is created by a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) with input from their family. ABA technicians then work directly with the child under the direction of the BCBA. They provide structured teaching as well as naturalistic teaching during play. ABA is fun for the child while also highly effective for autism treatment.
Family involvement is critical for success at Kaufman Children’s Center. New skills must be applied and practiced in all areas of children’s lives–and with all the people in their lives–to be effective.
The Team Approach
In addition to ABA, kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly need speech-language therapy and occupational/sensory therapy. Evidence has shown that a team approach between each service is critical to best manage children’s needs.
BCBAs provide support during speech and OT sessions to reduce problem behaviors and increase productiveness. Speech-language pathologists choose expressive and receptive language targets for kids who struggle to speak. Meanwhile, occupational therapists provide support for kids’ gross and fine motor, sensory, and daily living skills.
Each professional takes other department goals into account and works them into their own sessions. Doing so provides many chances for children to practice developing skills throughout the day.
Where do we go for ABA?
Kaufman Children’s Center for Speech, Language, Sensory-Motor and Autism Treatment in West Bloomfield was one of the first clinics in Michigan to offer ABA, and remains one of the top providers in the state.
The center focuses on early intervention up to age six, with full and half-day options. Treatment can be at the center, in your home, in the community, or a combined approach. The ABA program at Kaufman Children’s Center offers a continuum of treatment as the child develops: from one-on-one structured teaching, to an ABA classroom setting where kids can practice their skills in a more natural environment.
Along with ABA, the Kaufman Children’s Center offers speech and language and occupational/sensory therapy. Having all three services under one roof allows BCBAs, Speech Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists to work together every day and is also very convenient for parents.
