Best Behavioral Therapies for Children with Autism

Autism is a group of developmental disabilities that affects a person’s ability to communicate and engage with others. There is no cure for autism, however, there are various autism therapy services that can effectively reduce symptoms. Behavioral therapy is a group of therapies that are effective in treating children with autism.

Behavioral Therapies for Autism

1) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

This type of therapy has been well researched for decades and serves as one of the most widely used therapies for children on the autism spectrum. The basic idea of ABA involves a therapist working closely through various exercises to analyze why a child is exhibiting certain behavior. The goal with ABA therapy is to increase the positive behaviors and decrease the harmful behaviors. Communication skills, language, attention, focus and social skills are all areas that ABA therapy can help. Therapists suggest up to 40 hours a week of therapy, in a variety of settings including in-clinic, in-home and out in the community.

2) Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT)

This type of behavior therapy teaches children how to communicate for a reason. It encourages children to speak for functional reasons in order to receive their desired requests. During some sessions the therapist will use stimuli (something a child enjoys or responds to)to gain the interest of the child. Through repetition, the child is encouraged to understand that communication brings positive results.

3) Developmental and Individual Differences Relationship (DIR) Therapy

DIR therapy (also known as Floor Time) involves the therapist and parents interacting with the child on their level through fun activities. The basic goal of this relationship-based therapy is for a child to be motivated to engage and interact with other people. The therapist follows the child's strengths and developmental capacities to work on new skills.

4) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been around for decades. Generally used to treat mild to moderate signs of autism, cognitive behavior therapy helps children to recognize certain behavior triggers. When the child learns these triggers they can then change how they react to a situation. This is often a short-term therapy that focuses on specific problems.

5) Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

RDI is a family-oriented therapy used to help children form personal relationships. It teaches them to how to create social connections and share experiences. In RDI, the parents are trained and utilized as the general therapist for the child. Treatment plans are based on age and ability level and use appropriate step-by-step goals.

Behavioral therapy is an effective group of treatments that help children with autism live and thrive in their surroundings. Learn more about autism therapy services by reaching out to your local therapy provider. Set up a consultation and talk with a professional about a service that fulfills the needs of your child.