The Pros And Cons Of Using Applied Behavior Analysis Services For Your Autistic Child
If you have a child with autism, you know that your child may have certain quirks or abnormal behaviors. You also know that the behaviors found in one autistic child may vary drastically from the behaviors of another autistic child. This can make curbing these behaviors or teaching more normal behavior challenging. This is where applied behavior analysis (ABA) may help. A behavior assistant watches your child's behaviors, determines what their triggers are and how to best help them. There are pros and cons to ABA services. Learning about these can help you determine if it is right for your child.
The Cons of Using ABA Services for Your Autistic Child
- The Service is Only Good As the Behavior Assistant
One of the biggest downsides to using ABA services for your autistic child is that your services may only be as good as the behavior assistant. If the behavior assistant is not properly trained, can't pick up on signs in your child, or misses something, your child may not get the full benefits of ABA services.
- It May Not Be Effective in Some Children
While ABA services are recognized as an effective treatment for autism, not every child benefits from these services. And unfortunately, at this time, it is not known why some children respond to this treatment and others do not. As such, you may pay for this treatment, only to have little to no change seen in your child.
The Pros of Using ABA Services for Your Autistic Child
- It Helps Determine Triggers
One of the biggest advantages to using ABA services for your autistic child is that it can help you to determine your child's triggers for certain behaviors. A behavior assistant can work with your child doing a variety of activities, in order to determine what sets them off, sets them back, distracts them or causes certain behavioral responses.
- It Can Determine the Best Techniques for Your Child
The other benefit to using ABA services for your autistic child is that you can learn what techniques work best for your child. This can help your child to better normalize their behavior or learn more successfully. All in all, this can help your child live as normal a life as possible.
There are many different behavioral techniques that can be used to help an autistic child. Learning about the various techniques a behavior assistant can use may help you determine whether this is a good option for you and your child.