Continued Support: Why ABA Therapy Matters as Kids Grow and Mature
As children grow, their developmental needs evolve, and the strategies to support them must adapt accordingly. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has long been recognized for its effectiveness in helping individuals with autism and related developmental disorders. While many associate ABA with early intervention, its benefits extend well beyond the age of eight. Here’s why parents and therapists should continue ABA therapy as their children grow and mature.
1. Continued Skill Development
Children over the age of 8 experience crucial developmental milestones, specifically in social skills, problem-solving, activities of daily living (hygiene, organization, getting dressed, and daily chores), and continued language development. ABA therapy can help them build on learned foundational skills, promoting independence in daily tasks such as self-care, social interactions, and academic learning. By focusing on specific goals set around their current developmental stage, ABA therapy provides tailored support that encourages progression.
2. Social Skills Enhancement
Social interactions can become increasingly complex as children enter middle school and beyond. ABA therapy can be instrumental in teaching social skills, such as understanding social cues, managing emotions, and developing friendships. Through structured social skills training, children can navigate peer relationships more successfully, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence.
3. Behavioral Regulation and Coping Strategies
Adolescents face various challenges, including increased social pressures and emotional fluctuations. ABA therapy may help children learn and practice effective behavioral regulation techniques. Learning individualized coping strategies to handle stress and anxiety can be extremely valuable during the transition to high school and beyond.
4. Parental Support and Education
ABA therapy doesn’t just benefit the child receiving services; it also supports parents. Therapy sessions often include family involvement, helping parents understand their child’s behavior and effective strategies to reinforce learning at home. This collaborative approach fosters a more supportive environment for the child across different environments. The knowledge parents gain will empower them to be advocates for their child and encourage advocacy skills in their child as they age.
5. Individualized Approach
As children grow, their needs change and ABA therapy can be adapted accordingly. Individualized programs focus on specific goals important to the child's life, ensuring that therapy remains relevant and beneficial now and in the future.
6. Preparation for Life Transitions
The transition into young adulthood brings significant changes. ABA therapy can serve as a bridge, helping children develop essential life skills that prepare them for the responsibilities of adulthood. Skills such as job readiness, communication, and self-advocacy are crucial as they prepare for this next phase. We believe that it is never too early to begin working on these skills; ABA can help with this.
As a parent, it’s natural to question the continued need for therapy as your child ages. However, maintaining ABA therapy beyond the age of eight can have profound benefits for your child's ongoing development and well-being. At ABA Spectrum our goal is to support our learners across all stages of development, regardless of their age. We also believe in continuity of care and our learners do not ‘graduate’ out of ABA services because of their age. Our learners receive the services they need regardless of age or abilities. We systematically and gradually fade our services based on the learner’s skills and development while working closely with parents, outside service providers, and educators.
For more information on how ABA Spectrum can support your family, contact us today.
If you are interested in reading more about the benefits of ABA for older children and adolescents, we have included peer-reviewed research for your reading pleasure.
Choi, K. R. (2022). Examining patterns of service receipt and patient outcomes for children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Gitimoghaddam, M. (2022). Overview of the impact of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) on children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Eckes, T. (2023). Promising results for interventions based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the treatment of autism. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
Makrygianni, M. K. (2018). Evaluating the effectiveness of ABA programs for children with ASD. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy.
Adelson, R. P. (2024). ABA improves social, language, and communication skills, and reduces interfering behaviors. Behavior Modification.
Linstead, E. (2017). Efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research.
Healy, O. (2008). Intensive behavioral treatment at school for children with autism: A 1-year comparison controlled study. Behavior Modification, 26(1), 49–68.
Du, G. (2024). Improving emotional and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder through ABA. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
