What is ABA Therapy?
ABA is a method of teaching and behavior modification for children (and sometimes adults) with autism.
It stands for "Applied Behavior Analysis."
In simple terms: we carefully observe what a child does and help them learn useful things (speaking, playing with others, dressing, sitting calmly at a table, etc.), while gradually reducing harmful behaviors (screaming, head-banging, running away).
It's not a cure or "treatment for autism." It's teaching skills that the child doesn't have or has very weakly developed for some reason.
Who Really Needs ABA?
First and foremost—children diagnosed with "autism spectrum disorder" (autism).
It's especially helpful if the child:
- barely speaks or is completely nonverbal after age 3–4,
- doesn't make eye contact, doesn't respond to their name,
- doesn't play with toys like other children,
- is very afraid of new places or people,
- frequently has tantrums, hits themselves or others,
- can't dress themselves, eat with a spoon, or ask to use the bathroom.
If a child has mild autism (formerly called Asperger's syndrome), speaks well, and attends a regular school—ABA may not be needed at all or only minimally.
When is the Best Time to Start?
The earlier, the better. The biggest effect comes from starting at age 2–4.
The brain is very plastic at this age, and new skills "stick" quickly.
If you start at age 6–7 or later—progress will still happen, but slower and less significant.
How Many Hours Per Week Are Needed?
It used to be thought that 30–40 hours per week for 2–3 years straight was mandatory.
Now (according to research from 2023–2025) it's been proven:
- 15–25 hours per week—works excellently,
- even 10–12 hours per week gives good results if the sessions are high-quality and parents actively help at home.
The key is not the number of hours, but that sessions are regular and done correctly.
How Do Sessions Work?
Children are taught in small steps.
Example: teaching to ask for water.
- Step 1—child shows a card with water → immediately give them a drink + praise.
- Step 2—says "wa" or "water" → immediately give them water + strong praise.
- Step 3—says "give me water, please" in everyday life.
Everything the child does correctly is immediately rewarded (toy, treat, hugs, cartoon—whatever they like).
When they do something wrong—we gently correct, but don't scold or punish (modern ABA doesn't use punishment at all).
Sessions can be:
- at a table (classic approach),
- during play, walks, at the store—whatever is more comfortable for the child (this is now the most popular and effective style).
What Does ABA Really Deliver? Latest Data from 2023–2025
- 70–80% of children start speaking (at least simple sentences) if they started nonverbal.
- 60–70% of children show significantly reduced tantrums and aggression.
- About half of children after 2–3 years of intensive sessions can attend a regular preschool or school (with or without support).
- IQ increases on average by 15–20 points (this is a lot).
- Children learn to dress themselves, eat, use the bathroom, play with others.
The latest research shows: even 12–15 hours per week + work with parents at home gives almost the same results as the old 40-hour programs.
Is It True That ABA is Harmful and "Breaks" Children?
This is the biggest confusion.
- In the 1960s–70s, there were indeed harsh methods (yelling, sometimes electric shocks). This has long been banned worldwide.
- Modern ABA (after the 2000s, and especially after 2020) is completely different. Punishment is prohibited, children are given choices, their interests are considered, and emotions are monitored.
- Yes, some autistic adults who went through old ABA in childhood say it was hard and scary. Their experience is real and important.
- But children who participate in modern programs say they enjoyed it 95% of the time (there are studies that asked grown children).
The key is to choose a good specialist who:
- has a BCBA certificate or at least RBT + supervision,
- doesn't force the child to sit at a table for hours if they're crying,
- teaches parents and works in the child's everyday life.
Pros and Cons in Simple Terms
Pros:
- The most studied method in the world (thousands of studies).
- Really helps children learn to speak and live more calmly.
- Helps even children with severe autism and intellectual disability.
Cons:
- Expensive (if a private center).
- Requires a lot of parents' time.
- Not all specialists are equally good.
- The child may get tired if the program is poorly designed.
What to Choose If ABA Doesn't Fit?
There are other good methods:
- Semi-ABA approaches (ESDM, "Denver Model")—almost like ABA, but with even more play and relationships.
- Floortime (DIR)—only floor play, no cards.
- PECS—teaching using picture cards.
- Speech therapy + occupational therapy + group socialization.
Often the best approach is a combination: a bit of ABA + some other methods.
In Short: Is It Worth Trying?
Yes, it's worth it, especially if the child is 2–6 years old and speaks little or is very anxious.
Try 2–3 months with a good specialist—you'll immediately see if it fits your child or not.
If the child likes it, smiles, reaches out to the therapist—continue.
If they cry every time and don't want to—look for another specialist or another method.
The key is that the child feels comfortable and that parents don't burn out either.
If you need contacts for trusted centers or specialists in your city—write to us, we can help you find them.