Changing the World for Children with Autism
About ABA Therapy at BlueSprig
We’re dedicated to providing compassionate and effective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism, helping them develop essential skills and thrive in all areas of life.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach to understanding and changing behavior. As a therapeutic approach for children with autism, ABA focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing challenging ones.
At BlueSprig, ABA therapy is highly individualized, meaning programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each child, including socialization, communication, learning skills and other developmental milestones.
With hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, ABA has set the standard of care for the treatment of ASD.
The “ABCs” of ABA
The key to understanding ABA and how we can reinforce and shape behavior is understanding the ABCs of ABA: antecedents, behaviors, and consequences.
- Antecedents are events that occur before a behavior.
- Behaviors are all observable, measurable actions. For example, eating, yelling, and smiling are all behaviors.
- Consequences are events that follow a behavior. Consequences can be negative or positive.
Let’s imagine a child named Emma really wants a cookie. First, something happens before she does anything—this is the antecedent. Emma sees a jar of cookies on the counter. Maybe she smells them, or remembers how good they are.
Then, Emma does something—this is the behavior. She might ask politely, “Can I have a cookie, please?” Or, she might try to reach the jar herself, or even sneak a cookie when no one’s looking.
Finally, something happens after Emma’s behavior—this is the consequence. If she asked nicely, her parent might say, “Sure, one cookie.” But if she tried to grab one without asking, her parent might say, “No, not right now.”
So, simply:
- Before (antecedent): Emma sees cookies and is hungry.
- During (behavior): She asks or grabs.
- After (consequence): If she asks politely, she gets the cookie. If she grabs it, she does not.
To help Emma learn the best way to get the cookie she wants, her ABA therapist might:
- Teach Her Communication Skills: Emma’s therapist might teach her better ways to ask for things, like politely asking, “cookie?,” instead of grabbing.
- Provide Positive Reinforcement: Emma will be praised and rewarded for asking politely or following rules, like getting a cookie after dinner.
- Use Visual Supports: Visual aids, like picture schedules, can help children like Emma understand rules about things like when they can have cookies.
- Redirect the Behavior: If Emma tries to grab a cookie, her therapist or parent can gently remind her to ask nicely instead.
The goal of ABA therapy in this scenario is to help Emma develop appropriate communication skills, self-control, and an understanding of rules and expectations, all while ensuring a positive and supportive environment for her. Over time, with consistent intervention and reinforcement, Emma should be better equipped to handle her desire for cookies.
Who Qualifies for ABA Therapy?
At BlueSprig, we work with children with autism ranging from babies to teens, and we specialize in early intervention, which includes children under age 6, who participate in our Sprigs and Sprouts programs. For older children, we offer after-school programs, Branching Out: Explorers and Branching Out: Trailblazers.
To determine your child’s eligibility for ABA therapy, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will assess your child using a variety of interviews and observations. Then, they will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that prioritizes your child’s unique needs.
Depending on the need, your clinician might recommend either focused intervention, targeting 1-2 specific areas of need, or comprehensive intervention, ranging between 10 and 40 hours per week.
Taking the Next Steps
ABA Therapy is a safe and proven therapy that is developed and implemented by highly skilled and qualified staff at every BlueSprig family of companies location. Progress and results are continually being tracked, recorded and analyzed by the team, so any necessary changes can be made to ensure the best results are achieved for each child.
Explore BlueSprig’s Autism Resources
At What Age Is ABA Therapy Most Effective?
What Is Early Intervention and How Can It Improve Outcomes for Kids with ASD?
Can My Child Start ABA Therapy Without An Autism Diagnosis?
How Does ABA Therapy Help Social Skills?
How Much Therapy Will My Child with Autism Need?
What Is an ABA Therapy Treatment Plan?
Contact BlueSprig Today
At BlueSprig, our ABA therapy providers make it convenient to receive services that best suit your child’s needs. Our expert staff is available to provide services for as many hours per week as needed to support your child as they grow.