5 types of behavior therapy for children with autism that you need to know

One type of therapy that can relieve symptoms of autism is behavioral therapy or what is commonly called therapy ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). Behavioral therapy for children with autism aims to help them gain special skills, such as reading and other activities.

There are various types of therapy ABA that you may not know. So that you don't get confused, let's get to know the different kinds of therapies that improve the social and academic abilities of this autistic child.

Types of behavioral therapy for children with autism

As previously explained, behavioral therapy for autistic children uses therapy programs more often ABA .

ABA therapy is a type of therapy for autism sufferers that uses the reward method and aims to get them to gain new skills.

This method needs to be done with the parents and caregivers of the child from time to time so that they know how the process is going.

The goals vary, such as practicing communication skills, socializing, and taking care of yourself.

In fact, as reported by the page Autism Speaks , ABA therapy has been helping children with autism since the 1960s.

Here are some types of behavioral therapy for children with autism:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Source: NYU Langone

Cognitive behavioral therapy or more commonly known as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a type of behavioral therapy used in children with autism.

This type of therapy prioritizes children's speaking so they can manage problems by changing their thought patterns and behavior.

The goal of this therapy is to help people pay more attention and understand how thoughts, behavior, and emotions actually influence each other.

In fact, CBT also helps children learn new ways of thinking when they come out of the problem at hand.

In this therapy, the therapist usually breaks down the problem into several unpleasant parts regarding the child's thoughts and how to get out of the problem.

Then, the therapist will teach children to change these feelings, behaviors, and thoughts into things that are more useful.

For example, when children are having problems with their homework, there are some children who tend to ignore their duties by reason of being unable.

This is where the therapist helps children so that they want to change these thought patterns and behaviors by changing the way schoolwork is fun.

In fact, as reported by the page Research Autism , CBT can help reduce symptoms of anxiety in children with autism who are still in elementary school.

Therefore, cognitive behavioral therapy is quite popularly used to relieve symptoms of autism in children.

2. Discrete trial training (DTT)

Source: ABA Therapy

In addition to CBT, other types of behavior therapy for children with autism are: discrete trial training (DTT).

DTT is a method that breaks down children's skills into several types. Broadly speaking, therapists will teach the most basic skills.

Usually, in this method, items that are close to life are used to act as intermediaries for teaching materials.

For example, when you want to teach the color red, the therapist will ask the child to point to a nearby red object.

If successful, the therapist will reward their behavior by giving them candy or toys.

After that, the child will continue his lesson by learning about the color yellow, strengthening this ability, and asking about the two colors.

When the child has finished learning all kinds of colors given, the therapist will ask the child to name the color that has been learned.

There are several abilities that can be obtained from this DTT, such as:

• Speaking and language skills needed when talking to other people
• Writing skills
• Taking care of yourself, such as getting dressed or wearing cutlery

This behavioral therapy for autistic children needs to be done many times so that they can master these skills.

By using gifts as rewards, children will feel more valued and keep them reminded of what they have learned.

3. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)

Source: Jimmy ESL

This behavioral therapy for autistic children is more often used by children under five years of age.

EIBI is a very structured method and there are several basic components that represent this therapy, such as the participation of parents and other family members.

According to a study from Journal of Psychiatry EIBI is quite effective for children with autism.

Basic behaviors such as asking for milk or telling parents that they heard something are abilities derived from EIBI.

Very basic indeed, but EIBI principles are considered quite effective. The reason is, this shows that children with autism who undergo the EIBI program have their ability to develop from before.

4. Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

Source: Carizon

PRT is a behavioral therapy for children with autism that teaches them to learn based on the goals of the behaviors they have done.

When this behavior changes, this will certainly affect other abilities.

For example, teaching children to play monopoly is not just for fun. From monopoly, children can understand how to interact with other people, count, and how to get out of a problem.

By playing monopoly or other games, children can begin to master basic skills to use in real life.

In this method there are several ways that therapists generally do when teaching children a new skill through a game, namely:

• Using the sequential repetition method.
• Make children choose between what they want and need.
• Learn the rules of a game that can be used in everyday life.

This method of using toys to acquire basic abilities is quite effective. However, because the effect of autism on each child is different.

Therefore, when undergoing this therapy, parents and caregivers also need to be patient because changing their behavior is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand.

At least, the time you sacrifice will pay off so that your child can carry out normal activities.

5. Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI)

From the name itself, it is verbal, which means that this behavioral therapy for autistic children prioritizes communication and language.

This method is done by inviting children to learn language through words that are in accordance with what they want to convey.

Please note that the words taught in VBI do not include nouns, such as cat, car, and glass.

Instead, they were told the purpose of using a word and how it was used in everyday life.

In VBI, a language method is introduced which is divided into several types of words, namely:

• The word ask, for example "cake" to ask for cake.
• Words that can attract the attention of others, such as "train" to denote a train.
• Words used to answer questions, such as home or school address.
• Words that are repeated or use an exclamation mark. For example, "cake?" or "cake!" has a different meaning.

The way this therapy works begins with teaching the words ask as the most basic language skill. After that, the therapist will repeat the word and give the requested item to the child.

Then, the word is used again in the same meaning so that the child better understands what it means.

At first, maybe the child will tend to ask for something in any way without speaking a word, such as pointing.

By communicating, children will know that they will get positive results.

In addition, therapists also help children so that they can communicate using words as intended.

After knowing what types of behavior therapy for children with autism, choose the ones that really suit the child's needs so that they can acquire new abilities.

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