Many parents assume that ABA therapy is an effective treatment for younger children and that early intervention is what matters most. While early behavioral support is important, ABA therapy remains to be an effective approach for autistic individuals of all ages. Autistic teens and adults can benefit from ABA therapy even if they have been diagnosed late.
Importance of ABA Therapy for Teens
There are a lot of developmental changes that take place during the teenage phase, be it physical, emotional, or social transitions. It’s a complicated phase for any young person, and it can be even more challenging for autistic teens. This is when social interactions seem to get even more complex, and autistic teenagers may struggle to form and maintain friendships. Academic experiences may also become more intricate due to their different learning styles and challenges in terms of focus or organization. Ultimately, autistic teens are still grappling with self-acceptance and understanding their condition. It’s best to give them all the support they need during this complex and uncertain phase of their lives.
Benefits of ABA Therapy for Teens
Benefits of ABA Therapy for TeensTeenagers experience rapid emotional, social, and cognitive development. This tags along specific challenges in terms of behavioral, learning, and social development. Adolescence is such a critical stage of life, especially for individuals on the spectrum, and they need all the tools and support they need to navigate this rather turbulent stage. The following are some of the key benefits of ABA therapy for autistic teens:
1. Targeted Social Skills Development
Every ABA therapy program starts with assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the individual in every area, including social skills. This thoughtful approach to assessing their behavior can lead to targeted ABA goals in terms of social interaction. ABA strategies like modeling, role-playing exercises, social stories, prompting & reinforcement, and generalization of skills enable consistent practice and effective skill building.
2. Behavioral Interventions to Target Specific Issues
There are different behavioral issues that manifest among autistic teens including defiance, anxiety, sensory issues, social withdrawal, meltdowns, or aggression. ABA therapy teaches teens to use alternative and more appropriate ways of expressing their needs or frustration using positive reinforcement, coping skills training, gradual exposure, or even extinction. Depending on the trigger, the ABA therapist will implement effective strategies for addressing any behavioral issues associated with ASD.
3. Academic Support
ABA therapists work with educators to create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) outlining academic goals specific to the teen’s unique strengths and challenges. The ABA approach is not only in line with the teen’s learning style, but it also outlines the materials that have to be made accessible or more engaging to improve their academic performance. ABA therapy can also help promote study and organizational skills and address the executive functioning challenges associated with autism. The goal is to make learning more structured, simplified, and tailored to the individual’s academic needs.
4. Daily Living Skills Training
Autistic teens need to learn specific daily living skills to become even more independent, be it personal hygiene, cooking, or money management. This not only enhances their competence but also their confidence in navigating everyday life. ABA therapy techniques like Task Analysis, Modeling, Visual Support, Prompting & Fading, and Reinforcement strategies can also be helpful for autistic teens to learn functional skills that foster their independence in daily life.
5. Emotional Regulation Strategies
Individuals on the spectrum have a hard time recognizing other people’s emotions as well as their own. It’s a condition also known as Alexithymia. Because of this inability to understand and regulate emotions, it’s hard for them to connect with others or seek support. This can also lead to stress or overwhelm and eventually, mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
There are lots of strategies in the ABA therapy toolkit that can help teenagers with autism better regulate their emotions. Resources like emotion charts, deep breathing techniques, social stories, Social Skills Training, token economy systems, role-playing scenarios, and behavior contracts can all help drive progress one ABA therapy session at a time.
5. Self-advocacy Skills
Effective communication techniques are essential to help teens better express their needs, desires, and opinions. Whether it’s a verbal or nonverbal mode of communication, ABA therapy can help autistic teens practice self-advocacy and approach everyday situations with more confidence.
The skills above are just some of the main goals of ABA therapy for young adults. The full benefits of ABA therapy can be even more far-reaching. It’s one of the most effective autism therapies that not only addresses immediate challenges but also fosters long-term growth.
How Does ABA Therapy for Teens Work?
ABA therapy is one of the most individualized methods of autism therapy. The ABA goals are then tailored to the developmental level and life context of autistic teens.
While ABA therapy for children focuses on foundational skills like basic communication, early social interaction, and potty training, ABA therapy for teens covers more complex skills like self-advocacy, self-regulation, and general preparation for a more independent life. The therapy may even start covering topics about future planning, college education, or career goals. Instead of focusing on directive approaches, ABA therapy for teens is more collaborative to encourage their independence and critical thinking.
As they grow older, ABA therapy for adults also focuses its shift toward skills necessary for adulthood like job readiness, independent living, community integration, workplace dynamics, and even navigating romantic relationships. Autistic adults will then learn how to better manage responsibilities related to work and family life.
The core principles of ABA therapy remain consistent across different age groups although the goals and targeted areas depend on individuals’ developmental stages and specific needs. ABA therapy has no age limit, so it’s never too early or too late to get started. Most autistic children start showing signs of autism by 12-18 months. Autism symptoms in infancy may include very limited eye contact, lack of social smiles, limited response to name, delayed babbling, and so on. The earlier you can detect these signs and seek intervention, the better. On the other hand, if you or your loved one is diagnosed with autism late, it’s never too late to seek help. This is your chance to make sense of all the struggles you’ve had thus far and finally develop the necessary skills and coping strategies to manage everyday life more effectively.
Who Performs ABA Therapy for Teens?
All ABA programs are designed and overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Working under them are Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) or behavior therapists who help implement the behavioral health plans on a daily basis. RBTs apply ABA therapy techniques as directed by the BCBA. They also assist in behavior assessment and data collection to measure progress. They collaborate with clients, families, and care teams and maintain strict confidentiality and adherence to the RBT ethics code.
Besides BCBAs and RBTs, other people who can help perform ABA therapy for teens include:
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCABA)– They offer assistance to the BCBA. Although they cannot practice independently, they can help supervise the work of RBTs. However, they cannot directly design or make changes to the intervention plan without the final approval of a BCBA.
- Special Educators– Special education teachers have a unique skill set that makes them well-suited to integrate ABA strategies into the classroom setting.
- Paraprofessionals– The growing demand for ABA therapy services exceeds the number of fully credentialed ABA professionals. While their certification is not as formal as that of RBTs, paraprofessionals are trained in ABA principles and techniques and can help ensure one-on-one care and effective implementation of the therapy plan. They typically work in special education settings under the supervision of a licensed staff member.
- Parents and Caregivers– Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be active participants in the therapy process. Many ABA therapy providers like Airborne ABA offer parent coaching because this enables better generalization of skills. When ABA strategies are consistently reinforced throughout the day, better outcomes can be expected.
How to Start ABA Therapy for Teens
Some parents whose children have milder symptoms in childhood may have received late autism diagnosis for their teens. Whatever the reasons for the delay in seeking help, it’s never too late to start, and it’s best for autistic teenagers to receive the support they need to help them navigate the changes during puberty and cope with the behavioral issues, academic pressures, and socio-emotional challenges during this critical phase.
Choosing ABA Therapy for Teenagers Near Me
If you’re looking for the best ABA therapy for teens in Colorado offers specialized support that empowers autistic teenagers to build essential skills, improve social relationships, and foster independence. Allow us to help your child successfully transition into adulthood and address their critical developmental milestones.
Schedule a consultation today to get started!
