Child ABA Therapy
At ABA Centers of Rhode Island, we specialize in delivering effective therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between the ages of 2 and 12, regardless of the severity of their symptoms. Our approach meets each child at their unique level, achieving developmental outcomes through engaging and playful interventions.
We recognize that every neurodivergent child has distinct talents and faces unique challenges. That’s why we disregard a one-size-fits-all approach and personalize every intervention to align with each child’s dreams and future goals. Our programs are minimally intrusive, encouraging self-discovery and fostering autonomy.
Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) design ABA programs based on critical data to understand a child’s experiences and optimize treatment outcomes. Typically, ABA treatment ranges from 20 to 40 hours a week for up to three years.
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are assigned to carry out your child’s treatment program during ABA sessions. All our ABA professionals are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
ABA therapy is a full-day program for toddlers and pre-K children aimed at preparing them for school and achieving developmental milestones. Our goal is to meet the needs of every family and ensure that every neurodivergent child receives the support they deserve.
The ABA Journey
Each ABA therapy program begins with an evaluation by a BCBA. During this assessment, the BCBA analyzes patterns and considers long-term objectives. After spending time with your family to understand your challenges and dynamics, the BCBA develops a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs, enhancing their quality of life.
Throughout the therapy sessions, RBTs work closely with clients and their families to develop crucial skills, continuously monitoring progress through ongoing assessments. Goals are adjusted based on behavioral measurements to align with the client’s developmental stages.
To access ABA therapy services, you must have an official autism spectrum diagnosis. If you need assistance with the autism testing and diagnostic process, please click here.
Child ABA Therapy Options Include:
- Autism Testing and Diagnosis Services
- In-Home ABA Therapy
- Parent Training
- Life, School, and Community Integration Skills
ABA Therapy Can Teach the Skills Your Child Needs
Coping Skills
Children with autism face unique challenges, but ABA therapy teaches skills for emotional regulation, impulse control, and decision-making.
Gross & Fine Motor Skills
Children with autism may struggle with muscle development and coordination. ABA Therapy includes activities to improve motor skills, such as:- Playing with slime, putty, or clay
- Watering plants with a squeeze bottle
- Opening and closing snack containers
- Building with Lego blocks
- Depositing coins into piggy banks
- Playing with marbles
- Cutting shapes with scissors
Social Skills
Our program helps your child develop vital communication skills, such as:- Engaging in social pretend play
- Sharing toys and taking turns
- Expressing personal choices, reactions, and interests through communication
Daily Living Skills
ABA Therapy helps children learn essential life skills such as using the toilet, brushing their teeth, bathing, washing their faces, and dressing themselves. Our therapists guide your child through each step to help establish healthy routines for daily activities.
Reading/Writing
ABA Therapy enhances academic performance by promoting reading and writing skills through activities like:- Scribbling or coloring exercises
- Tracing exercises for improved coordination
- Writing letters and numbers
Visual/Perception Skills
Visual and perception skills are integral to intelligence and development. We incorporate activities such as:- Playing with puzzles
- Matching identical objects
- Playing memory games
- Finding hidden objects in busy pictures
- Recognizing similarities in objects and making comparisons
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT IN CHILD ABA THERAPY
Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of ABA Therapy. When a child exhibits desired behavior and receives a reward, they are encouraged to repeat it, establishing new patterns and stimulating positive change over time.
In ABA sessions, the therapist sets a goal behavior, and each time the child achieves it, they receive a meaningful reward, such as:
- Praise
- A book or toy
- Watching a video or playing a video game
- Visiting the park or playground
- Enjoying a favorite food
With practice, children learn to replace inappropriate behavior with valuable skills that benefit them throughout life.
