Dr. Jakir Hossain Laskar, PhD
ABA Therapy for Autism & ADHD: The Good, The Bad, and What Else is There
One of the most commonly used approaches for managing children with autism is ABA therapy which has also started becoming popular in the treatment of ADHD. There has been both praise and criticism leveled against it for its implementation in practice. While it is said to focus on providing results based on data, some argue that it is too uniform in terms of overall structure.
This article will look at what exactly is ABA therapy, its strengths and weaknesses, and what other options are available for the treatment of autism and ADHD.
What is managed?
ABA therapy is a treatment that sets out with a specific goal to target certain behaviors and skills and aims to teach them through positive reinforcement. The foundation of the therapy was formulated around the 1960s and focuses on behavioral psychology and its objectives are as follows:
- Increasing appropriate behaviors such as effective communication and socialization with others.
- Decreasing inappropriate behaviors such as aggression or self injurious behavior.
Each client has individualized ABA therapy, with the therapist often ensuring that skills are taught in simple steps and gradually building them.
Stepwise Approach:
- Assessment: Behaviour of the individual is analyzed so that the adaptive and maladaptive behaviours as well as triggers can be identified.
- Goal Setting: Goals are then set such as improving eye contact or decreasing the number of tantrums that may occur on a daily basis.
Intervention: Behavioral psychologists assist in learning targeted behaviors through positive reinforcement, guidance and practice.
Data Collection: Progress is recorded carefully in order to modify the therapies accordingly.
ABA Therapy for Autism
The primary purpose of aba therapy is for autism, concentrating on social skills, communication and minimizing the occurrence of stereotypical or maladaptive behaviors.
ABA Therapy for ADHD
Generally, aba is not frequently recommended for ADHD, but it may be useful with
Controlling self destructive behaviour
Maintaining attention and interest.
Organization and time management.
The Good: Benefits of ABA Therapy
- Evidence-Based Outcomes
The effectiveness of ABA in improving verbal communication, social interaction, and other adaptive behaviors among certain persons with autism has been well established.
- Individualized Plan
Since every person is different and has their strengths and weaknesses, every ABA program is compliant to the individual’s requirement.
- Skill Development
A BA assists individuals in acquiring important activities of daily living, social and academic skills in order to be able to live independently.
- Parental Involvement
Parents typically participate in the therapy session thereby helping them understand how they can help their child at home.
The Bad: Criticisms and Concerns
- Overemphasis on Compliance
Critics of ABA claim that it discourages normal behaviours in order to make people to conform to the “norm”.
- Emotional Impact
Some ABA therapists sometimes report people as having overwhelming or stressful moments particularly when their clients are asked to modify self-soothing behaviors.
- Internal Barriers Are Not Respected
The ABA approach is very target-oriented and easily ignores emotional balance, self-worth, and self-soothing ways.
- It is Time Consuming and Costly
ABA type therapy involves many hours on a per week basis for several months or even years, which is quite a lot. The price may also be prohibitive, as there is sparse insurance assistance in some places.
Supplementary and Alternative Approaches to ABA Therapy
For those families that are looking for additional options, there are several supplementary and complementary therapies available:
- Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Model (DIR/Floortime)
This model emphasizes social interactions and fosters self-regulation through play.
This model emphasizes nurturing through social engagement rather than through dutiful behavior, learning comes naturally.
- Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Model (DIR/Floortime)
Works in communication area which is very critical for many individuals with autism and ADHD.
- Speech and Language Therapy
Facilitates organization, fine motor skills, self-care and addressing sensory processing concerns.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Changing automatic self-defeating thoughts to positive ones is important for anxiety management, dysregulation and hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
- Social Skills Training
Deals with everyday social skills that include making new friends and looking out for deciphering non-verbal messages.
- Play Therapy
Enhances creativity and emotional access, allowing children to work through feelings and establish connections.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Such methods as yoga and meditation are beneficial in coping with stressful conditions and increasing concentration.
Making the Right Decision
- Individual Needs
Every child or adult suffering from any form of autism or ADD / ADHD is different. The selected therapy should correspond with his or her abilities, difficulties as well as aspirations.
- Family Values
Look into what resonates with your family’s values. For instance, if the goal is to enhance emotional well being, then, relational methods such as DIR/Floortime seem to be of much help.
- Professional Guidance
Engage competent professionals to evaluate possibilities and develop a strategy that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
ABA therapy can be effective for people with autism and ADHD since it provides them a structured framework within which to work on the relevant skills. But it also has some drawbacks, and it’s worth considering how much good it can do against the complaints.
Besides, for those who want alternatives there are many other directions that can be used instead of or along with ABA which tend to stress emotional well-being, expression and self-identity.
To conclude, the best therapy is the one that takes into account the peculiarities of a person, highlights the positive aspects of each and gives an opportunity for a meaningful life and self-sufficiency.
