What Is ABA Therapy and How Can It Help Children With Autism?

1. A Short History of ABA Therapy

• 1960s Origins: ABA therapy originated in the 1960s with Dr. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA, who demonstrated that structured teaching and reinforcement could effectively help children with autism learn (Lovaas, 1987).

• Research on Growth: Over 30 years of research have supported ABA, making it the most widely studied intervention for autism.

• Global Recognition: The U.S. Surgeon General (1999) and the American Psychological Association have recognized ABA as an evidence-based treatment for autism.

2. Who Can Benefit From ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is most effective for children with autism, particularly between the ages of 3 and 12 years, when their brains are highly adaptable.

Think of it like planting a tree. The earlier you plant it, the stronger it grows. Similarly, starting ABA early helps children build strong foundations for:

• Communication

• Social interaction

• Emotional regulation

• Learning in school

In the UAE, families from diverse backgrounds are turning to ABA because it helps children succeed not just at home, but also in inclusive school settings.

3. How ABA Therapy Helps Children With Autism

ABA is not only about reducing meltdowns. It teaches practical skills for everyday life. Here’s how:

• Communication Skills
  • Teaching children to use words or gestures instead of crying.

  • Example: A child learns to say “I want juice” instead of pointing and crying.

• Social Skills
  • Practicing turn-taking, sharing toys, and greeting others.

  • Example: Playing board games at home to learn how to wait for a turn.

• Daily Routines
  • Learning hygiene skills like brushing teeth and washing hands.

  • Building independence with dressing and eating.

• Behavioral Regulation
  • Replacing challenging behaviors with healthy alternatives.

  • Example: Instead of screaming when frustrated, the child learns to ask for help.

A review in Frontiers in Psychology (Leaf et al., 2020) found that ABA interventions improve language, adaptive behavior, and cognitive skills in children with autism.

4. Why Families Choose ABA Therapy

ABA stands out because it is:

• Personalized: Programs are tailored to each child’s individual needs.

• Measurable: Parents can track progress on a weekly basis.

• Flexible: Can be done at home, in school, or at a clinic.

• Evidence-based: Supported by decades of scientific research.

Parents often compare ABA to hiring a personal trainer. Just as a trainer creates a tailored workout plan, ABA therapists design specific learning plans that fit each child’s abilities and goals.

5. Other Therapies and How They Work With ABA

Families often explore different therapies, including:

• Speech Therapy: Builds language and articulation skills.

• Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on sensory and motor skills.

• Play Therapy: Encourages emotional expression and creativity.

While valuable, these therapies are most effective when combined with ABA. For example, speech therapy may help a child pronounce words, but ABA ensures the child uses those words in daily conversations.

6. Why ABA Stands Out Among Therapies

• ABA teaches how to learn, not just specific skills.

• Children in ABA programs show greater improvements in IQ, language, and social behavior compared to those in non-ABA programs (Eldevik et al., 2009).

• ABA adapts to the child’s pace, making it more sustainable and less overwhelming.

7. How Long Does ABA Take to Show Results?

Progress depends on each child and the intensity of their therapy. Research suggests:

• 10–20 hours per week: Noticeable improvements in a few months.

• 30–40 hours per week: Significant progress in 1–2 years (Reichow, 2012).

Think of it like school. A few hours a week helps, but regular attendance leads to mastery and long-term results.

8. Common Problems ABA Helps With

ABA therapy addresses many challenges families face daily:

• Frequent tantrums or meltdowns.

• Difficulty following instructions at school.

• Issues with eating, sleeping, or toilet training.

• Trouble making and keeping friends.

Parents often say ABA gives them a “toolbox” for handling these situations calmly and effectively.

9. How ABA Supports Parents

Parent involvement is crucial to the success of ABA. ABA training for parents teaches strategies to:

• Encourage good behaviors at home.

• Reduce stress during daily routines.

• Improve communication and bonding with their child.

A study by Brookman-Frazee et al. (2009) found that parent training not only improved children’s behavior but also enhanced family quality of life.

10. How ABA Helps Teachers and Schools

Teachers trained in ABA strategies can:

• Manage classroom disruptions more effectively.

• Help autistic children take part in group activities.

• Use reinforcement methods that improve learning.

This is especially important in the UAE, where schools are becoming more inclusive and diverse.

11. Why Parents and Teachers Should Be Trained

Consistency is key. When parents, teachers, and therapists all use the same strategies, children learn more quickly and adapt more effectively. This is why most ABA programs emphasize parent and teacher training in conjunction with therapy.

12. How Engage Supports Families in the UAE

At Engage, we offer:

• Personalized ABA programs tailored to each child.

• ABA training for parents, allowing you to continue therapy at home.

• School support to help teachers implement ABA strategies in the classroom.

• A culturally sensitive approach designed for UAE families.

Whether you are searching for an ABA clinic near me or looking for ABA therapy in Abu Dhabi, Engage provides the support your family needs.

Conclusion

ABA therapy is not a quick solution, but it is a proven pathway to helping children with autism grow and thrive. It supports children, empowers parents, and makes classrooms more inclusive. Most importantly, it provides children with the tools they need to lead fuller lives as adults.

For families in the UAE, ABA therapy offers both hope and structure. It’s about progress, one small step at a time.

References

• Brookman-Frazee, L., Stahmer, A., Baker-Ericzén, M., & Tsai, K. (2009). Parenting interventions for children with autism spectrum and disruptive behavior disorders: Opportunities for cross-fertilization. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 12(3), 335–347.

• Eldevik, S., Hastings, R. P., Hughes, J. C., Jahr, E., Eikeseth, S., & Cross, S. (2009). Meta-analysis of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 38(3), 439–450.

• Howlin, P., Magiati, I., & Charman, T. (2009). Systematic review of early intensive behavioral interventions for children with autism. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 114(1), 23–41.

• Leaf, J. B., Cihon, J. H., Ferguson, J. L., Milne, C. M., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., & Taubman, M. (2020). Applied behavior analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 493.

• Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3–9.

• Reichow, B. (2012). Overview of meta-analyses on early intensive behavioral intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(4), 512–520.

• U.S. Public Health Service. (1999). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.