As many parents of autistic children can attest Applied Behavior Analysis therapy can be a saving grace for families. Children who were once nonverbal and unresponsive can become playful, imaginative, and even silly and children who once had no grasp of new concepts can function on the same level as other children in their peer group. ABA has offered many parents hope beyond their wildest dreams, but it is important to realize that it is not a cure.
Many websites and even parents tout ABA therapy as a cure for autism or profess that it cured their child. Doctors cannot stress enough that there is currently no known cure for autism spectrum disorders. What does exist in abundance, however is proven data showing that ABA therapy can help children to recover from the setbacks and challenges that face them as children with an autism spectrum disorder.
The difference between a cure and recovery can be slight in a large number of cases, but it is important to realize that the underlying illness is still present, even when children are taught ways to fully function around it. With that said, however, a large number of children who receive 40 hours a week of intensive ABA therapy, particularly during the formative “early intervention” period often find themselves able to function inside a normal classroom environment, and a large percentage of these children are found to still exhibit normal function within society many years later.
It is also important to note that not all children fully recover from autism spectrum disorders no matter how intensive their therapy regimens. What ABA does offer to all children is the chance to live up to their maximum potential by teaching them to think and learn to the best of their ability. Applied Behavior Analysis shows promise for all children facing an autism spectrum disorder, and results depend equally on the degree of a child’s disability and the ABA course that is taught. When an intensive program is started early and taught properly, the child has the most progress to make. It is important to note that not all therapists are appropriate to teach ABA therapy and that a number of parents who learn the method make exceptionally successful ABA therapists for their children.
ABA therapy may not be a cure, but it offers parents and children a realistic hope of recovery. Applied Behavior Analysis offers children a chance to function normally amongst their peers and to learn all they can about the world around them. With so much potential and so much success, there is little wonder why so many parents consider their child’s new abilities and skills to be akin to a cure.
Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and is the founder of Maximum Potential. MP’s courses in ABA Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis were developed by 2 PhD BCBAs to empower parents and school systems and to provide effective and affordable training for school systems and parents. Visit MaximumPotentialKids.com to learn more.
As many parents of autistic children can attest Applied Behavior Analysis therapy can be a saving grace for families. Children who were once nonverbal and unresponsive can become playful, imaginative, and even silly and children who once had no grasp of new concepts can function on the same level as other children in their peer group. ABA has offered many parents hope beyond their wildest dreams, but it is important to realize that it is not a cure.
Many websites and even parents tout ABA therapy as a cure for autism or profess that it cured their child. Doctors cannot stress enough that there is currently no known cure for autism spectrum disorders. What does exist in abundance, however is proven data showing that ABA therapy can help children to recover from the setbacks and challenges that face them as children with an autism spectrum disorder.
The difference between a cure and recovery can be slight in a large number of cases, but it is important to realize that the underlying illness is still present, even when children are taught ways to fully function around it. With that said, however, a large number of children who receive 40 hours a week of intensive ABA therapy, particularly during the formative “early intervention” period often find themselves able to function inside a normal classroom environment, and a large percentage of these children are found to still exhibit normal function within society many years later.
It is also important to note that not all children fully recover from autism spectrum disorders no matter how intensive their therapy regimens. What ABA does offer to all children is the chance to live up to their maximum potential by teaching them to think and learn to the best of their ability. Applied Behavior Analysis shows promise for all children facing an autism spectrum disorder, and results depend equally on the degree of a child’s disability and the ABA course that is taught. When an intensive program is started early and taught properly, the child has the most progress to make. It is important to note that not all therapists are appropriate to teach ABA therapy and that a number of parents who learn the method make exceptionally successful ABA therapists for their children.
ABA therapy may not be a cure, but it offers parents and children a realistic hope of recovery. Applied Behavior Analysis offers children a chance to function normally amongst their peers and to learn all they can about the world around them. With so much potential and so much success, there is little wonder why so many parents consider their child’s new abilities and skills to be akin to a cure.
Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and is the founder of Maximum Potential. MP’s courses in ABA Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis were developed by 2 PhD BCBAs to empower parents and school systems and to provide effective and affordable training for school systems and parents. Visit MaximumPotentialKids.com to learn more.
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