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What Is the Difference Between Behavior Therapy and ABA Therapy?
When supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parents, educators, and therapists are often faced with various therapeutic options. Each approach aims to help clients manage their behaviors in different ways.
Two common types of therapy are behavior therapy and applied behavior analysis, which is also known as ABA therapy.
While these terms may be standard in some parenting and therapy groups, they refer to different methods. Each method has distinct principles, uses, and long-term goals for those who receive help.
Many ask: What is the difference between behavior therapy and ABA therapy?
University reports describe behavior therapy as a general term for different therapies that help change a person’s learned behavior. This approach often treats people dealing with mental health conditions that may include depression, substance abuse, or other disorders.
ABA therapy is behavior therapy that focuses on principles of positive reinforcement and learning to help clients, commonly those with ASD, experience better outcomes in life through skill development.
This blog by ABA Centers of Virginia offers readers a simple explanation of how ABA and behavioral therapy differ. We will also look at the goals of each method to help describe how both approaches benefit those who receive care.
So, keep reading to learn about this vital topic and ultimately choose the right path for your loved one!
To learn more about ABA Centers of Virginia, click here. To read other blogs about ABA, autism, and raising a child with autism, visit us here.
Understanding Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy is a broad psychological treatment approach with the primary goal of identifying and modifying behaviors that negatively impact an individual’s life.
This form of therapy can help people with neurodiversity who have multiple conditions. However, it does not focus on autism-related challenges as much as ABA therapy does.
Goals of Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy addresses various mental health and behavioral challenges. These include are not limited to:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression and Depressive Episodes
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Phobias, including social phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
- Self-harming Behaviors
- Substance Use Disorders
Types of Behavior Therapy
Some of the most common types of behavior therapy include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and reframe complex thought patterns to improve emotional regulation and behaviors.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on helping the individual accept their circumstances and then cope safely to improve overall well-being.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness strategies to support those managing intense emotions and interpersonal struggles.
These are just a few examples of the many types of behavioral therapies available.
Behavioral Therapy Providers
Licensed professionals, such as clinical psychologists or counselors, administer various types of behavioral therapies. These professionals may adopt a flexible approach, incorporating multiple psychological and behavioral techniques to address the individual’s specific needs.
Understanding ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is a highly structured and data-driven therapy approach that helps many with autism develop essential skills and redirect challenging behaviors.
ABA applies evidence-based techniques to achieve measurable and meaningful improvements in a person’s life that consider their lifestyle, family, and future goals in the context of their ASD.
Principles and Techniques of ABA Care
ABA professionals work hard to center ABA programming around individualization and progress tracking.
Standard ABA strategies include:
- Positive Reinforcement: Delivering highly preferable reinforcements like verbal praise, tokens, and other rewards to encourage behaviors reoccurring.
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Breaks down skills into small, teachable steps, offering structured learning opportunities.
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Focuses on practicing skills in real-life scenarios to promote their use in natural life circumstances.
- Functional Analysis: Identifies the root cause of problem behaviors to create effective strategies that help clients achieve their needs.
Goals of ABA Therapy
ABA therapy concentrates on building upon core developmental skills in those who may struggle with them. These include but are not limited to communication, social interactions, learning, and self-care skills.
Over time, individuals on the autism spectrum can gain increased independence through ongoing ABA therapy.
Other Advantages of ABA Care for those with ASD
- Proven Effectiveness for Autism: ABA therapy has decades of research supporting its success in improving communication, social skills, and learning.
- Parental Involvement: Actively involves caregivers, equipping them with valuable tools and collaboration to extend therapy benefits at home.
ABA Therapy Providers
Certified professionals who deliver ABA therapy include Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
These professionals design ABA treatment plans and provide one-on-one ABA therapy sessions under the supervision of the BACB.
Key Differences Between Behavioral Therapy and ABA Care
While both therapies share a foundation in helping individuals manage behavior and other struggles, they differ in significant ways. Here, we will explore a few differences:
Scope:
- Behavioral Therapy: This approach includes a broad focus on mental health conditions and behavioral challenges that don’t always relate to autism but may help with distress, anxiety, and depression.
- ABA Care: This approach to therapy narrowly focuses on challenges most familiar to those on the ASD spectrum or developmental disorders.
Structure:
- Behavioral Therapy: A flexible approach that adapts techniques based on individual needs.
- ABA Care: Highly structured and data-driven, with specific, measurable outcomes.
Goals:
- Behavioral Therapy: Aims to improve overall mental health and well-being.
- ABA Care: Focuses on skill development and support most helpful to those living on the ASD spectrum.
Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Child Leads to Optimal Results for Many Families!
When considering therapy approaches for your child, it is essential to consult with qualified medical or mental health professionals. Next, you must consider your child’s needs now and in the future.
Additionally, it’s vital to recognize behavioral therapy and ABA care have their strengths and disadvantages, and there is no “one size fits all” solution.
Behavioral therapy can be advantageous for many mental health conditions and behavioral challenges. In contrast, ABA therapy may be more suitable for individuals on the autism spectrum or with developmental disorders.
Ultimately, the most effective approach for families and those they love will depend on their needs and goals to achieve overall well-being and life fulfillment.
So, keep exploring and learning about different therapy options to find the best fit for your child!
More About ABA Care with ABA Centers of Virginia
At ABA Centers of Virginia, we specialize in providing custom ABA therapy and autism services for children and teens in regions of Virginia that include Alexandria, Fairfax, and Washington, D.C.
Our team of BCBAs and RBTs works closely with families to create ABA sessions that foster growth and developmental expansion at every milestone.
So, whether you’re navigating early diagnosis or looking for an ABA therapy provider near you, we’re here to guide your ABA journey!
Contact us today via this online link or by calling us at (855) 957-1892 and start your child’s ABA therapy journey!
Remember, with the proper care and support, individuals on the autism spectrum can live purposeful lives and achieve their dreams!
