Autism Parenting Magazine Issue 87 (Member's Dashboard) | Page 62

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS Which Is Best for My Child: ABA Therapy in the Home or Clinical Setting? By Vanessa BEIBIDE-ZANETICH, MA, SpEd, BCBA When not fully understood, applied behavior analysis (ABA) may seem like an over- whelming treatment option for children diagnosed with autism. Many people are unsure what ABA is, what it can do, and why it is used. Simply put, ABA is a science that uses reinforcement strategies to increase or decrease socially significant behavior. B ased on empirically validated learning princi- ples, ABA is widely used, not only for adults and children diagnosed with autism or in- tellectual disabilities, but also with parent training for neurotypical children, substance abuse, dementia care management, trau- matic brain injury, business management, and a host of other things. The rise of autism has become a prevalent health cri- sis in this country. ABA has become one of the most 62 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 87 scientifically studied treatment approaches for chil- dren and adults with autism. It has developed into such an important treatment option that 48 states have taken government action to cover ABA thera- peutic costs (Health Insurance Coverage, 2018). Now that ABA funding is being covered by most in- surance plans, parents have treatment options. These options can include ABA home servicing programs delivered within the home or approaches delivered outside the home within clinical settings.