About ABA 5 Basics to Understanding Naturalistic ABA

1. ABA for Autism measures progress with data.

ABA for autism measures children’s progress with hard data and allows us to clearly see what therapies are working and what therapies are not working. Once we know that, we adapt your child's 1:1 program to be sure they are receiving effective services. Our therapists are creative and adjust to the needs of the child, which increases the possibility of bringing about meaningful and positive change.

2. We take a balanced and naturalistic approach. Learning happens through play. 

We meet children where they are with skills and begin with manageable goals, and then move onto more complex goals. We use traditional methods of ABA therapy along with naturalistic teaching, which allows us to teach through play and create more opportunities for generalized learning. With naturalistic teaching, the child’s daily routines and preferred activities help lead how and where the therapist works with that child. This helps a therapist focus on specific target behaviors associated with the things that contribute to challenging behaviors during a child’s daily routine.

Naturalistic teaching methods are an effective method for issues of socialization and communication. As clinicians we know these are the most important skills for people with ASD to develop in order to participate and be engaged in all the things that make for a happy, healthy life. This way of working with children gives important opportunities to apply their newly acquired skill sets to their daily routines. You can learn more about the benefits of this approach here..

3. ABA therapists use positive reinforcement. 

Our ABA therapists enthusiastically work with your child. They use effective, positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors and promote appropriate and cooperative behaviors as well as decrease harmful and detrimental behaviors. ABA can help improve children’s communication skills, sharpen focus and attention, and develop social skills.

4. "Generalization" is critical for success.  

Learning occurs both inside and outside the center. This is a crucial part of the Robert Grey mission. Going out into the community; the library, the playground, parks and seasonal outings give our children the opportunity to transfer skills learned at the Robert Grey Center to real life. This is what’s known as “generalization.” Children can now practice a task or engage in an activity, with the support of their therapist, and practice succeeding in their newly acquired skills.

5. Parents play a huge role. 

Parents have a great opportunity to help their children generalize skills learned in the classroom at home, too. At The Robert Grey Center, we offer regular sessions for parents where we help train you to support your children’s learning and skills maintenance at home. This can improve life for the entire family unit.