Progressive ABA: A Child-Centred Approach to Therapy

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has evolved significantly, and at Open Avenues we are committed to a progressive, child-centred approach. This means putting the child's needs, preferences, and comfort at the forefront of everything we do. Our goal is not just to change behaviours but to create a meaningful, supportive, and engaging therapy experience that empowers each child to thrive. In this post we'll explore what sets progressive ABA apart, and how it can make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families.

Prioritising Assent

Assent is very important in our sessions. We understand and respect how a learner communicates and uses body language, and check how they show their willingness to participate. By prioritising assent, we make sure our learners are comfortable and willing participants. Our goal is for the learner to choose to be in the learning environment. Research shows that children who choose to rejoin an activity are less likely to leave again.

Child-Centred Focus

At the heart of progressive ABA is a child-centred focus. We prioritise the long-term goals and overall happiness of each learner. Therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs and hopes of every learner and family, ensuring our interventions are not just effective but also personally meaningful. 

Responsive and Motivational Approach

Our approach is responsive and motivational. We pay close attention to each learner's needs, and adjust our approach to keep them engaged. This helps maintain participation and enthusiasm, leading to better therapy outcomes. Focussing on what motivates each learner leads to increased social initiations.

Creating a Calm Environment

A calm environment is crucial for effective therapy. We create an atmosphere where learners feel safe and supported. This reduces anxiety and helps them engage better in activities. Once the child feels secure, we start to build expectations and structure, always working at the child's pace. 

Therapy as 'Fun Work'

We believe therapy should be engaging and enjoyable - even the parts that aren't always 'fun'! Our sessions are designed to be stimulating and rewarding, creating positive experiences around teaching and learning. We adjust demands to match the learner's engagement level, ensuring we challenge them just enough to encourage learning without causing any overwhelm or frustration. By making therapy engaging, we boost motivation and achieve better outcomes. 

Social Validity

Social validity is a crucial part of our practice. We make sure the goals, strategies, and outcomes of our therapy are relevant and valuable to our learners and their families. By involving them in the decision-making process, we ensure our interventions are meaningful and in line with their values and expectations. 

Flexible Procedures

Being flexible is important in progressive ABA. Our practitioners observe and understand behaviours as they happen, whether a learner is feeling excited or if they are having a bad day. We adapt the session in the moment, based on an in-depth understanding of each learner's skills and what is important to them. This flexibility makes sure our approach stays effective and responsive to each learner's needs. Our key question is always, "What can we do to help this learner be more comfortable in the world?"

In conclusion, progressive ABA is about more than just behaviour modification. It's about creating a therapeutic environment that is flexible, responsive, and deeply in tune with the needs and goals of each learner. By prioritising child-centred approaches, social validity, and assent, we ensure our therapy is not only effective but also truly meaningful.