3 Ways To Re-Motivate A Child In ABA Therapy
Posted on: 29 September 2019
Autism is a disorder that can have a negative effect on a child's life if it is not managed correctly. Parents often seek the assistance of skilled in-home care providers to offer applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy designed to help an autistic child become more engaged in the surrounding environment.
The success of an ABA program is dependent on the child's level of motivation. A therapist will offer certain rewards in return for behaviors exhibited by their clients. It's important that both parents and therapists understand what motivates a child and how to implement this natural motivation to improve the success of ABA therapy services.
1. Conduct a Preference Analysis
It can be easy to get caught up in the routine of ABA therapy sessions and forget that a child can easily become bored with the same repetitive rewards. Just as an adult doesn't want to eat the same thing for dinner every night, an autistic child doesn't want to receive the same rewards during every ABA therapy session.
A preference analysis will allow parents and caregivers to identify what a child currently likes most. The analysis can be conducted by simply watching a child in his or her natural environment and making a note of what toys or games the child seems interested in. Offering a child several choices to see which piques their interest can also be a great way to complete a preference analysis.
2. Don't Always Focus on Tangible Things
The rewards that a child will work toward during each ABA therapy session don't always have to be tangible things. A toy or special treat might motivate some children, while others might be more motivated by an activity or special action.
It can be beneficial to offer a tickle session, an extended hug, or a roll down a grassy hill as rewards instead of traditional toys. A little creativity can go a long way toward helping a child find his or her lost motivation during ABA therapy sessions.
3. Evaluate Program Efficacy
One reason a child may appear to lose his or her motivation is a lack of interest in the program being offered during ABA therapy sessions. There are many different approaches to behavioral therapy, and experienced caregivers know that it is necessary to alter programs to fit the unique needs of each child.
A change to the program can include the addition of sensory social activities or natural environment teaching to help recapture a child's interest.
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