Key Takeaway
- Children with autism spectrum disorder can have a heightened sense of anxiety. It can show up through their meltdowns, withdrawal, or repetitive behavior.
- ABA therapy is based on studies and evidence. It can help children with autism with their behavior challenges, social skills, and communication troubles.
- ABA therapy can help with anxiety in autistic kids, but it is advisable to start early. ABA therapy can offer personalized strategies and techniques, letting the therapist work on areas that trigger the child and helping the child develop mechanisms.
The spectrum in autism spectrum disorder talks about the diverse range of symptoms and severity that come with this condition. However, many of them have one thing in common- a high level of anxiety. Several factors contribute to it, including sensory differences, intolerance to uncertainty, communication issues, and sensory differences.
Managing anxiety in children with ASD needs a varied approach, which can work on their overall well-being. Applied behavior analysis programs are one of these valuable ways to help a child with anxiety. Let us learn about how this works and what benefits you can expect:
Understanding Anxiety in Children With Autism
Children with autism find it hard to adapt to change, understand social signals, and process receptive information. These difficulties can increase their anxiety levels. They are more likely to tussle while communicating. As a result, they show various behavioral signs, including withdrawal, meltdowns, and/or repetitive behaviors. Additionally, they often face difficulties anticipating situations, resulting in stress. For them, anxiety and stress can cripple extensively. Fortunately, ABA therapy and strategies can help here. Let us learn about this method and see how it can help.
An Overview of ABA Therapy
Applied behavior analysis is a therapy based on evidence and studies. It can help analyze and improve behavior in individuals with autism. The common areas it can address are social skills, communication, and challenging behaviors. ABA can benefit individuals of any age, but it is always better to intervene early for children. In fact, it can be started as early as possible, even immediately after an autism diagnosis.
ABA therapy uses data-driven and systematic approaches. These techniques are centered on analyzing the child’s behavior and the factors causing that. As a result, a child can build foundational skills and lead an independent life.
The Role of ABA Therapy in Managing Anxiety Along with Autism Spectrum Disorder
How fortunate it is that you can find professionals anywhere you want. Whether you live in LA or Denver, you can find applied behavior analysis with just a few clicks. However, before you find one, it’s important to learn how ABA therapy can help:
Applies Personalized Approach
ABA therapy is tailored to meet the individual’s needs. This personalized approach allows the behavior therapist to implement techniques to manage the anxiety in the child. This results from strategies directed towards developing coping mechanisms in them. Additionally, ABA therapy includes addressing the factors behind certain behaviors in the child. This way, the behavior analyst can find the triggers and help develop coping strategies accordingly.
Works on Communication Skills
Usually, the children develop their communication skills by listening to their parents and family members and imitating sounds. However, in cases of autism, the child struggles to follow the same process and faces delays in learning. This hindered communication can be another cause of anxiety. This area can be worked upon with ABA therapy solutions. The ability to understand and express their emotions better can make life easier with less anxiety.
Focuses on Several Techniques
In addition to communication skills, ABA therapy can work on several areas of a child’s behavior, including behavioral interventions. The behavior analyst can target and replace certain anxiety-provoking behaviors with alternative responses. The professionals might focus on causing predictable behaviors, resulting in a sense of security. The therapist can demonstrate the right ways to deal with stressful situations calmly. They can incorporate additional strategies to deal with sensory processing challenges further.
Has a Proven Record
Despite the limited research on ABA therapy to target anxiety, several studies show its effectiveness. In fact, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis published a study showing lowered symptoms of anxiety in children with autism. 75% showed reduced symptoms, while 70% had an improved mechanism. It is no surprise to see the anxiety dropping considering ABA’s focus on coping skills and modifying behavior in children.
The Role of a Parent or a Caregiver
In addition to looking for applied behavior analysis and enrolling the child in them, parents or caregivers can:
- Look out for different forms, including video modeling and pictures, to communicate with them effectively. Providing a child with a picture of what is ahead can provide a sense of control, thus protecting them from feeling overwhelmed.
- Find what can make the child anxious. Look for visual cues of events that escalate the anxiety in the child or make them feel overwhelmed. This way, you will be able to look for and avoid situations that result in those situations.
- Make sure your child has a routine to follow. This can help set the expectations and let the child predict what is next. This way, the child with autism spectrum disorder can have lesser stances of anxiety.
- As a parent or caregiver, you must be connected with the child’s behavior analyst. This will help you learn more about the child’s condition and provide them with more support and care.
- It is essential to look after yourself while nurturing your child. After all, being physically or emotionally drained would do no good for you and your child. It is crucial to take time for your personal goals and needs.
Conclusion
Parenting comes with a whole lot of challenges and responsibilities. However, it can become more overwhelming to learn about the child’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. You have to manage several things, including the child’s anxiety. Fortunately, applied behavior analysis is the way out. In this post, we have walked you through the relationship between anxiety and autism and how ABA can help.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder can have difficulties communicating, anticipating social clues, and more, resulting in anxiety. ABA or applied behavior analysis can help by learning about a child’s behavior, understanding their triggers, reinforcing coping strategies, and more. Several techniques in ABA therapy can help them focus on alternative responses over anxiety-provoking behaviors.
It is essential to start right and opt for early intervention. Fortunately, you can find professionals and therapists easily. From NYC to Colorado, autism therapy services are easily accessible.
Additionally, the parents or guardians of children with autism spectrum disorder can look to perform similar techniques in their home environment. Being one, you can incorporate a routine, look for ways to communicate with the child, and more while looking after your personal self. The parent or caregiver should be regularly in contact with the child’s behavior therapists.
References:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/what-triggers-anxiety-for-an-individual-with-asd.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3035599/