So What Age Is Best to Start ABA Therapy for Autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most recommended treatments for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) along with other behavioral conditions. Parents and guardians are usually very curious to know ‘What is the best age to start ABA therapy for autism?
Despite the lack of a universally accepted solution to the problem, research and practice advocate that initiating intervention at an earlier age is advantageous. As with many other therapies, the optimal age to start treatment depends on the access available, the developmental stage of the child, and the symptom severity.
How Early Can ABA Therapy Start?
In very young children, around the age of two, improvement is noticed to be far more effective. Even before 2 years of age, children tend to have a better improvement curve. Those identified early on can opt into early intervention ABA therapy programs which assist when the child’s brain is developing the quickest. Adults spend less time undergoing the intervention as long as they begin in their early developmental stages. Early intervention remains to be most effective during the onset of the critical periods of development when children are easily capable of acquiring skills.
The Early Start Denver Model uses Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for children as young as 12 months old and up to 48 months. It places a great importance on receiving therapy before or as soon as any signs of autism are detected. While it may appear that enrolling children in therapy at such a young age is unnecessary, both infant and baby focused ABA therapy can be incredibly impactful if they are scheduled correctly with the child's development milestones.
Benefits of Early ABA Therapy
An argument in favor of early intervention greatly focuses on the years a child is aged between 0-5 because their brains are highly pliable. This can aid the child in adopting new skills faster than usual. In this case, the advantages of attending sessions of ABA therapy at a younger age are:
- In grabbing hold of the language in a shorter span of time.
- In forming adaptive behaviors
- In reducing the intensity of major autism symptoms.
Most importantly, these benefits aid in school readiness, which makes transitioning to a school easier. Preparing the child for preschool or kindergarten while using autism therapy, as well as ensuring they’ll be able to smoothly go into a classroom setting later are vital objectives of early interventions.
ABA Therapy Age Guidelines and Recommendations
Starting early is considered the best option, however, there are age recommendations and guidelines for ABA therapy that differ according to the child’s requirements. Some children might receive a diagnosis at a later stage which can lead to wondering questions such as, ‘Is it too late to start ABA therapy?’
The short answer is no. Even though earlier is better, it’s still impactful to have ABA therapy for older- aged children. There are strategies that cater to specific ages, and such techniques can be utilized for a broad age range for ABA therapy which includes toddlers, teenagers, and even adults. The cap on ABA therapy age shows the need for appropriate, timed intervention. It does not limit the effectiveness of the approach.
ABA Therapy for Toddlers and Preschoolers
ABA therapy for toddlers 1, 2 and 3 years old, focus on language, imitation, social interactions, and play. A number of programs specialize in ABA therapy for younger preschool and pre-kindergarten children, including 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds.
School-age children phase out of preschool and start needing preparatory academic skills, behavioral self-control for learning, and readiness to learn, all of which are aided by ABA therapy for 5-year-olds and 6-year-old learners. These are crucial ages in life where success with ABA therapy is used for, and achievement in academics happens simultaneously.
ABA Therapy for School-Age Children
Children of a slightly older age are also considered. In fact, ABA therapy for a 7-year-old, 8-year-old, and 9-year-old still yields substantial results. With regards to this stage, key targets still remain ABA therapy with cognitive skills, ABA therapy with social skills, and ABA therapy with language skills.
Further than this, students older than this, ABA therapy for 10-year-olds and ABA therapy for 11 year olds involve more advanced skills such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and managing relationships with peers. These age-based ABA therapy programs are designed to fit the specific requirements of older children.
ABA Therapy for Teenagers and Adults
As for inquiries concerning the suitability of ABA therapy for teenagers or even adults, the research confirms its sustained impact. A shift occurs to life skills and work readiness programs, yet structured, quantifiable development remains a staple. Assistance transitioning from childhood to adolescence is provided through ABA therapy for older children.
In unsubstantiated claims regarding the question, Is ABA therapy harmful? Parents ask the issue to trained providers who specialize in individualized care claim, as such therapy approaches are not harmful. Quite the contrary, its one of the most settled evidence approaches to treatment. However, a provider needs to be selected whose primary focus is the ethical treatment in expected absence of psychologically distorted compassion driven care.
ABA Therapy for Late Diagnosis and Different Age Groups
Autism may remain undiagnosed until later in childhood for some patients. Late diagnosis does not diminish the efficacy of therapy, which comes with programs intended to make up for lost milestones. The therapy offered for varying ages is comprehensive enough to address a wide range of developmental needs.
The effectiveness of therapy does depend on the patient’s age. There is a substantial focus on the effectiveness of ABA therapy relative to age, its success rates, and outcomes in relation to age. Studies indicate that younger patients tend to progress at faster rates; however, older patients continue to reap significant benefits, especially in cases of consistent and tailored therapy.
How Many Hours of ABA Therapy Is Needed?
There is variability in the number of hours suggested, but 20–40 hours per week is a common guideline for early intensive intervention. The amount of ABA therapy allocated is dependent on the patient's age, objectives, and level of functioning. For children aged two to five, more aggressive programs often begin with higher weekly hour commitments. For older children and teens, hours are often tailored to fit school and social schedules.
Finding the Right ABA Therapy Provider
If looking for ABA therapy, a parent might say to themself, “Where can I find an ABA therapy clinic near me?” The answer is to seek out providers with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and has documented experience in working with specific age group segments. The provider must conduct an evaluation which includes a comprehensive assessment and provides information on your child’s advancement based on data-driven milestones.
The goals set should be age appropriate and developmentally tailored, with the application of ABA therapy developmental level goals and age-specific strategies. If you’re considering ABA therapy for 11 year olds, or for pre-teens and teens, an established provider will be able to devise a strategy entitled a roadmap to success that outlines the expected outcomes.
Contact PBS Midwest for ABA Therapy
PBS Midwest manages your search by offering compassionately administered ABA therapy tailored to age and functional levels of a child. PBS Midwest’s programs span from infants and toddlers, teens through to adults. Our strong team grasps the intricacies of ABA therapy age brackets, archetypes of the need for early intervention ABA therapy, and the significance of employing age and stage relevant techniques.
Should your concern be about an 18-month-old starting, or a 10-year-old needing prior help, or you are trying to get help for late diagnosis, PBS Midwest remains committed to your care. Children are trained through our proven individualized treatment approach designed for personalization, and so each child is equipped with the tools automating outcomes favorable for success.
Read more about ABA Therapy by clicking here: https://www.pbsmidwest.com/blogs