Understanding the benefits of ABA therapy is an important first step for families navigating an autism diagnosis. At Camino, we specialize in providing individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to support each child’s unique strengths and challenges. From early diagnosis to structured intervention, our goal is to promote lasting development through science-based strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Families often ask, “What is ABA therapy?” ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It helps us understand how behavior works, how it’s affected by the environment, and how learning takes place. For children with autism, ABA therapy focuses on improving specific behaviors—such as communication, social skills, academic performance, and daily living skills—while reducing challenging behaviors.
At Camino, our ABA therapy programs are highly individualized. We work directly with families to create custom treatment plans that reflect their priorities and their child’s developmental goals. Our experienced Autism spectrum therapists and Board Certified-Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) deliver therapy both in our center and through applied therapy services that include occupational and speech therapy partnerships.
What Are the Principles of ABA?
The principle of ABA is rooted in behaviorism and the belief that all behavior is learned and can be changed. ABA uses positive reinforcement and data-driven techniques to teach new skills and reduce harmful behaviors.
Key principles of ABA include the following:
- Reinforcement: Encouraging positive behavior through rewards.
- Prompting and Fading: Helping children learn skills with guidance, which is gradually removed.
- Generalization: Teaching skills in a way that children can use them across different settings.
- Data Collection: Measuring progress objectively to guide future steps in therapy.
At Camino, our therapists apply these principles in every session, using evidence-based practices that are both compassionate and effective.
What Are the Key ABA Therapy Strategies?
ABA therapy includes a wide range of tools and methods. Here are two of the most impactful ABA therapy strategies we use at Camino:
Functional Behavior Assessment
A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is the foundation of any successful ABA therapy plan. It involves observing and analyzing the child’s behavior to understand what triggers and reinforces it. By identifying the purpose behind certain behaviors, we can develop strategies that address the root causes—not just the symptoms.
Our on-site BCBAs conduct thorough FBAs to ensure that each child’s plan is customized and targeted for real, lasting results.
ABA Discrete Trial Training
ABA Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured teaching technique that breaks down skills into small, manageable steps. Each “trial” includes an instruction, a response from the child, and a consequence (typically reinforcement). DTT is especially effective for teaching new skills, such as language, imitation, and academic tasks.
At Camino, we integrate DTT into both one-on-one and group therapy sessions, ensuring children receive focused attention and opportunities for social learning.
The Goals of ABA Therapy
The goals of ABA therapy are as diverse as the children we serve. Our mission is to help each child reach their full potential through practical, measurable outcomes.
Common goals include the following:
- Increasing communication and social interaction
- Developing self-care and daily living skills
- Enhancing play and leisure abilities
- Reducing problem behaviors
- Building academic readiness and learning habits
For young children, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) offers the most comprehensive option, with up to 40 hours per week of customized therapy. For others, our center-based treatment environment allows for focused learning in a supportive, social setting.
We also offer parent and family training to empower caregivers and extend the success of therapy into everyday life.
The benefits of ABA therapy are far-reaching, helping children gain essential life skills and empowering families with the tools they need to thrive. At Camino, we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting an autism evaluation or looking to expand your child’s support system, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.