Psychiatrists in Sonoma, CA

The first thing that happens in ABA therapy is an evaluation of the child in service of developing a treatment plan. The therapist meets with the child’s parent(s) in order to learn about the family and the child, assesses the child’s behavior and ability level, and then creates a plan tailored to the specific needs of that person. Once the treatment goals are established, the skills to be learned are broken down into small, component steps. Treatment sessions focus on learning and practicing each step, and furnishing meaningful rewards as steps are learned, behaviors are spontaneously implemented, and goals are accomplished. ABA therapists also train caregivers and families so that behavioral progress occurs beyond the clinical setting.

One of the primary goals of ABA therapy is to decrease the outbursts and other nonproductive behaviors of children with autism. At the same time, ABA aims to remedy language deficits and help such children learn how to communicate successfully. ABA therapy helps children learn age-appropriate social skills and gain skills, such as attention and focus, that are necessary for school.