If you’ve heard of or are curious about ABA therapy and what a session entails, you’ve come to the right place! ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is an evidence-based therapy designed to improve a child’s social behaviors and everyday skills. Here’s a comprehensive look at what an ABA therapy session typically looks like.
1. Personalized for the Child
Each ABA session is crafted based on the child’s unique needs and interests. With the collaboration of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), the sessions are dynamic, often transitioning from playful interactions to structured tasks. The aim is always to create a strong foundation for the child’s future.
2. Dynamic and Adaptable Nature
No two ABA sessions are identical. Depending on a child’s progress and current needs, activities might vary from week to week. Initially, a child might focus on daily living skills, and later shift to reducing problem behaviors. As the child evolves, so does the nature of the therapy.
3. Home-based Learning Spaces
A key feature of ABA therapy is the integration of learning into a child’s natural environment. Whether it’s brushing teeth in the bathroom or asking for food in the kitchen, the child is taught in familiar spaces. The initial sessions emphasize “pairing”, where the therapist builds rapport by discovering the child’s favorite toys, games, and snacks.
4. ABA Methods Explained
Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Often seen in schools, DTT focuses on specific tasks, from maintaining eye contact to vocalizing words. The task is broken down, taught in steps, and built upon through repeated trials.
Natural Environment Training (NET): A more organic approach, NET embeds learning within play and everyday activities. Skills from DTT might be reinforced in a NET session, ensuring the child can use their new skills in real-world situations.
5. Duration Varies
An ABA session’s length isn’t one-size-fits-all. While one child might engage in a 2-hour session, another could require up to four hours. Regardless, these sessions are packed with diverse activities that enhance communication, socialization, and daily living skills.
6. Sample Activities in an ABA Session
Playtime: Boosts skills like sharing and turn-taking.
Snack Time: Enhances eating habits, from using cutlery to table manners.
Daily Living Activities: Focuses on self-care like brushing teeth or dressing.
Potty Training: For those still learning.
Community Outings: A chance to refine social skills in places like parks.
7. A Peek into an ABA Session Schedule
For a clearer picture, consider this example of an ABA session for a 5-year-old with limited verbal skills:
3:00-3:15: Free play and identifying favorite toys/activities.
3:15-3:45: Tabletop activities with breaks.
3:45-4:15: Snack time, cleanup, and free play.
4:15-4:20: Brushing teeth.
4:20-4:50: Functional communication training.
4:50-5:00: Cleanup and free play.
ABA therapy is a versatile, child-focused approach that leverages play and structured tasks to impart essential skills. With the support of trained professionals, your son, daughter or loved ones of all ages can benefit and thrive from this therapy.