Applied Behavior Analysis & Your Family

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Applied Behavior Analysis & Your Family

A child and caregiver play with trucks at a low table. Both are laughing.

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy option used by many families with autistic children. First, ABA professionals measure and observe behavior. Then they use teaching, praise, rewards or added privileges to improve socially significant behavior. Socially significant behaviors can include:

Communication and language skills
Social skills
Self-care and daily routines
School and work skills
Play and leisure skills

Reasons why some families choose ABA

ABA can help autistic people who want to improve socially significant behavior.
ABA can help families when children hurt themselves or others.
ABA is covered for autistic people under most major insurance plans. Some plans may cover ABA for other disabilities, like Down syndrome.
ABA is an evidence-based treatment for autism spectrum disorders. It is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics and others.
ABA professionals use data to measure progress, so families know how their child is doing with treatment.
ABA is often prescribed by medical professionals and used in schools, allowing for consistent treatment at home and in the community.

You can find ABA providers in our directory by selecting “ABA Therapy” in the first column. You can also contact one of our Family Resource Specialists for help.

Reasons why some families choose other therapies

Behavior therapies focus on skills – not thoughts and feelings. Families who need help with a child’s big emotions or negative thoughts sometimes choose cognitive or play therapies.
ABA can improve socially significant behavior, but may not focus on a child’s needs. Family-oriented therapies can help families to recognize and support differences.
Behavioral therapies use compliance-based methods, which may not work with all children. Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) can help families to solve problems together with their child.
Insurance may not cover ABA for other diagnoses, like ADHD. When this happens, families may choose to work on skills with other professionals (counselors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, etc.). Some families also use parent training, which teaches parents and caregivers how to use behavioral tools.
Intensive behavioral therapies may take up to 40 hours per week and can limit other family activities or priorities. Some families use other therapies because they can be more flexible with scheduling.
ABA works to improve symptoms, a practice that follows the medical model of disability. Many members of the autistic community and families who support the neurodiversity movement choose supports that build on strengths instead.

You can find other professionals in our directory too – or ask a Family Resource Specialist for help.

To learn more:

Connecting for Kids (CFK) encourages families to learn as much as they can before choosing therapies. In addition to working with your child’s primary care provider, families should:

Ask adults who share a diagnosis with your child.

The CFK community includes many parents and caregivers with disabilities.

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.
Learn from other disabled adults using the Voices section in our Disability & Inclusion guide.

Ask other parents or caregivers whose children receive ABA therapy.

The CFK community includes many families who use ABA with their children.

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.

Ask an ABA professional.

Before starting with any new professional, it’s a good idea to learn about their practice. These questions can help you to find a good fit for your family.

Explore resources.

VeryWell Mind: What is ABA Therapy?

Choosing your path:

It’s normal and natural to have strong feelings about the choices we make for our children. We want what’s best for them and we tend to agree with people who make similar decisions.

Our strong feelings can also mean that we struggle to listen to people who make choices that are different from our own. We encourage you to listen to different voices so you can learn more. And remember, no matter what you decide, your voice is an important part of the CFK community.

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Email: info@connectingforkids.org

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