Teens and children with autism often require additional support to achieve their academic and social goals. There are many resources that can help these teens and children, including different therapeutic and counseling approaches to ease unwanted behavior and give teens and children with autism the self-confidence they deserve.
At Camp Worth in Fort Worth, Texas, we use a number of approaches to help clients with autism reach their full potential. One program that we use is counseling and behavior analysis. But, what exactly is counseling and behavior analysis? This program lets us understand how your child learns and what effects the environment has on their performance. If your child might benefit from counseling and behavioral analysis, reach out to our Camp Worth team today by calling 855.915.2545 or filling out our online form.
What Is Counseling and Behavior Analysis?
Counseling and behavior analysis is a type of therapy based on scientific studies on learning and behavior. It helps therapists and loved ones of those with autism understand how behavior works and how the environment influences individual learning.
Counseling and behavior analysis has benefits, such as:
- Increases client’s language and communication skills
- Enhances social skills, attention, focus, and memory
- Improves behaviors
How Does Counseling and Behavior Analysis Help Children with Autism?
How does this treatment help people with autism? Therapists adapt counseling and behavior analysis to each person. At Camp Worth, we adapt our techniques to our clients, who are boys and girls ages 11 to 17. You can apply these techniques at school, at home, and in the community.
In children with autism, counseling and behavior analysis focuses on positive reinforcement. The therapist chooses relevant goal behavior. When the chilit’srforms the goal behavior, they earn a reward. This could include a book or toy, watching a video, or playing outside; anything that’s meaningful to the child. Over time, this leads to behavior improvements.
Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence (A-B-C)
What is counseling and behavior analysis when it comes to practical application? Well, it’s as easy as A-B-C.
An antecedent represents the trigger for target behavior. It can be verbal, such as a request. Sometimes, it’s physical, a light, sound, toy, or another object. An antecedent comes from the environment, another person, or feeling. Behavior is how your child reacts. It may be a verbal response or other action. Finally, a consequence follows positive or harmful behavior. It may include a reward for desired behavior or no reaction to unwanted behavior.
The ABCs help us understand why the client acts in a certain way.
Here are two examples of antecedent, behavior, and consequence:
Antecedent: The therapist says, “It’s time to pick up the toys.”
Behavior: The child doesn’t comply.
Consequence: The teacher puts the toys aside and indicates playtime is over.
Antecedent: The therapist says, “Let’s pick up the toys.”
Behavior: The child complies.
Consequence: The therapist gives the child a hug.
Treatment Goals
What is counseling and behavior analysis in terms of treatment goals? We base treatment goals on your child’s age and ability. ASD goals cover areas including:
- Communication and language
- Motor skills
- Social skills
- Self-care (showering and toileting)
- Learning and academic skills
- Play and leisure
Instruction plans document small steps that show development. This might include imitating sounds to having a conversation. Our therapists document progress in each session. This data assists our team in determining whether clients meet their goals. Sometimes, expectations have to be adjusted based on individual capabilities.
Counseling and Behavior Analysis at Camp Worth
At Camp Worth, we strive to help children and adolescents with autism manage their symptoms. We also focus on helping parents and family members learn how to help theclient’sren. There are many therapeutic approaches that we use to complete this goal. Our other treatment options include:
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medication management
- Autism parent training
- Food and nutrition program
When you enroll your child in our program, our team meets with family members and other staff members to review each client’s progress. This interconnected network gives your child with ASD the best opportunity to meet their goals.
Explore Counseling and Behavior Analysis for Your Child at Camp Worth
As a parent of a child with autism, you want the best for your child. At Camp Worth, our dedicated team of experts have years of experience giving children with autism the tools and skills they need to become independent and successful. Our comprehensive programs and services can be a vital resource for parents of children with autism, and we’re ready to help you too.
Our admissions team is standing by to answer any questions you might have about our programs. So, take the time to contact us online or by calling 855.915.2545 to learn more about our autism treatment programs in Texas. Give your child the help they deserve. Reach out to Camp Worth today.
