Should I Undergo ABA Training as a Speech Therapist?

ABA therapy is a common therapeutic method that works well in a variety of settings. It's used for behavioral modifications for children with autism and other concerns and can be adapted to multiple therapeutic ideas. ABA techniques may provide speech therapists with a unique tool that they can use to run sessions more fluently while increasing language skills.

What Is ABA?

ABA treatment is a behavior-based therapy that focuses on utilizing the concept of reinforcement to increase appropriate skills and behaviors in addition to making environmental adjustments to increase success. While ABA is utilized in a variety of arenas, Spectacular Kids utilizes ABA to treat children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental concerns. At Spectacular Kids, ABA is used to increase social, motor, and learning skills. According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorder is four times more likely to be treated and identified in boys than in girls. However, effective diagnosis and treatment methods are essential, no matter the gender.

How It Helps Speech Therapists

ABA therapy follows three basic steps. These include the antecedent or the stimulus that causes a behavior, the behavior itself, and the consequence of the behavior. Speech therapists can use this method to reward desired speech patterns, such as identifying words and sounds the individual may have difficulty with, and providing praise or even a small rewards for the child’s successful action.

The idea is to make gradual behavioral changes and walk a child towards more precise communication. When working with a child who has autism, this approach helps to gradually move them towards better speech patterns. It can also correct problematic behaviors, such as jaw clenching and even grinding, that might affect their speech. Additionally, the use of ABA principles in speech sessions can help reduce the occurrence of maladaptive behaviors during sessions. 

Getting Trained

If you're interested in obtaining more training on ABA, it's important to get trained by a team you can trust. While there are many types of training options for this field, Spectacular Kids provides quality support. Spec Kids offers training at our Kingwood or Missouri City clinic locations, or training may be conducted at the location of the service provider. Spectacular Kids also offers continuing education units for speech therapists. 

Though it's not necessary to master this skill set if you want to become a speech therapist, learning more about ABA therapy can expand your career options and improve your speech sessions. Those are just a few of the benefits that you can take advantage of if you want to take your career to the next level. Please don't hesitate to contact us at Spectacular Kids today if you're interested in ABA training.