Posted on March 7th, 2023

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a widely recognized and effective therapy approach for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA therapy can help children with ASD develop social, communication, and behavioral skills that are essential for their daily lives. However, not all ABA therapy approaches are the same, and it can be challenging for parents to understand the differences between them. In this blog post, we'll break down the different types of ABA therapy approaches to help parents make informed decisions about their child's therapy.

At Beyond Inclusion, we specialize in providing ABA therapy services to children with ASD. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to using evidence-based techniques to help children reach their full potential.

What is ABA Therapy?

Before we dive into the different types of ABA therapy approaches, let's first define what ABA therapy is. ABA therapy is a type of therapy that uses positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesired behaviors. ABA therapy is based on the principles of behaviorism, which is the study of how behavior is shaped and modified by the environment.

ABA therapy is highly individual and tailored to the specific needs of each child. During ABA therapy sessions, a therapist works one-on-one with the child to teach new skills and reinforce positive behaviors. The goal of ABA therapy is to help children with ASD develop the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives, including social skills, communication skills, and daily living skills.

Different Types of ABA Therapy Approaches

There are several different types of ABA therapy approaches, each with its own unique focus and techniques. Here are some of the most common ABA therapy approaches:

1. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a highly structured ABA therapy approach that focuses on teaching new skills in small, manageable steps. DTT involves breaking down complex skills into smaller components and teaching each component individually. This approach is particularly effective for children with ASD who have difficulty learning in less structured environments.

2. Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is an ABA therapy approach that focuses on teaching new skills in natural settings, such as at home or in the community. NET involves identifying opportunities to teach new skills during everyday activities and using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.

3. Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is an ABA therapy approach that focuses on teaching pivotal behaviors, which are behaviors that have a broad impact on a child's development. PRT targets behaviors such as motivation, social initiations, and self-management, which can have a positive impact on a child's overall functioning.

4. Verbal Behavior (VB)

Verbal Behavior (VB) is an ABA therapy approach that focuses on teaching communication skills, including both verbal and nonverbal communication. VB involves identifying the functions of different communication behaviors and using positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate communication.

5. Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an ABA therapy approach that is designed for young children with ASD. ESDM combines ABA techniques with play-based therapy to teach new skills in a natural and engaging way. ESDM is particularly effective for children with ASD who have a range of developmental delays.

Which ABA Therapy Approach is Right for Your Child?

Choosing the right ABA therapy approach for your child can feel overwhelming. It's important to remember that each child is unique and may respond differently to different approaches. The best way to determine which approach is right for your child is to work with a qualified ABA therapist who can assess your child's needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.

ABA therapy is a highly effective intervention for children with ASD, and there are several different types of ABA therapy approaches to choose from. By understanding the differences between these approaches, parents can make informed decisions about their child's therapy and help them reach their full potential.

At Beyond Inclusion, we specialize in providing evidence-based ABA therapy services to children with ASD. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to using the most effective ABA therapy approaches to help children develop the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives.

If you're interested in learning more about ABA therapy or would like to schedule an evaluation for your child, we encourage you to reach out to us at (602) 780-8130 or [email protected]. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and help you make the best decision for your child's therapy.