When your child is diagnosed with autism, one of the first terms you may hear from professionals is “ABA therapy.” Those three letters—A, B, A—can open the door to a world of hope, growth, and learning. But what exactly is ABA, and how does it help?
At So Much to Say, we know that every parent wants to understand how their child’s therapy works and what makes it effective. So, let’s take a closer look at Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) — what it means, how it’s used, and why it can be such a powerful tool in supporting Autistic children’s development.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and improving behavior. In simple terms, it helps us figure out why people do what they do — and how we can support positive, meaningful behaviors that enhance learning, independence, and quality of life.
ABA is based on decades of research in the field of psychology, particularly the study of learning and motivation. It’s not just about “changing behavior,” but about understanding what drives it. Every action — from asking for a snack to joining a game — happens for a reason. ABA helps uncover those reasons and uses positive teaching strategies to encourage helpful skills and reduce barriers to learning.
At So Much to Say, we recognize that the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has evolved tremendously over the years. While some early approaches to ABA were viewed as overly rigid or compliance-based, today’s practitioners are part of a new generation dedicated to compassionate, individualized, and respectful care. The benefit of ABA being a science, is that it is ever changing in a positive direction. At So Much to Say, we emphasize and train therapists in line with our fields most compassionate evidence-based teaching methods.
Modern ABA is not about control — it’s about connection. We focus on understanding the “why” behind behavior, teaching meaningful skills, and empowering children to communicate, make choices, and build independence in ways that feel safe and affirming.
Our clinicians ensure that every child’s voice, comfort, and autonomy are respected. We prioritize relationships, joyful learning, and collaboration with families to create goals that truly enhance quality of life.
ABA continues to grow through peer-reviewed research, self-reflection, and listening to the neurodiverse community. The result is a practice that is more ethical, flexible, and focused on what matters most —helping each child thrive while honoring who they are.
For children on the autism spectrum, ABA is used to teach and strengthen a wide range of skills — communication, social interaction, self-care, play, and academics — while also helping to reduce behaviors that may interfere with learning or daily life.
At So Much to Say, ABA never looks the same for two children. Every program is individualized based on the child’s needs, strengths, and family priorities. Some sessions may look like structured learning activities, while others take place through play, games, or daily routines.
One of the key principles of ABA is reinforcement. That means focusing on what motivates the child and using it to encourage learning.
For example, if your child loves bubbles, the therapist might blow bubbles each time your child successfully asks for “more.” Over time, your child learns that using words (or gestures, or AAC) gets them something they enjoy — and that communication works! Remember that “problem behavior” is most likely a form of communication, so before learning how to ask for “more”, your child may have been crying when bubbles were present (in sight) as a form of asking for “more” bubbles. Within these contexts, asking for “more” with ASL, and crying – are what we call “Functionally equivalent” – meaning they achieve the same outcome; more bubbles! In this example, you would start to see crying go away, and the ASL sign for “more” happen more often!
By connecting effort to rewarding outcomes, ABA turns learning into a joyful process. Children are encouraged to try new things, make choices, and see the value in their own success.
Communication is one of the most common goals in ABA therapy. For many Autistic children, expressing wants, needs, or feelings can be difficult — and that can lead to frustration or challenging behaviors.
ABA helps children find their voice, commonly with the help of a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) whether that’s through:
–
Therapists teach communication step-by-step, beginning with simple requests like “want toy” or “help please,” and gradually expanding to more complex sentences and conversations. The goal isn’t just to talk — it’s to connect.
Many parents want to see their children enjoy friendships, take turns, and share in social moments. ABA can help develop these skills in natural, fun ways.
Therapists might use play-based teaching to model:
These small social moments help children build confidence in group settings — like classrooms, playgrounds, and family gatherings.
At So Much to Say, we believe that social learning should always feel positive and supportive. Our goal is not to make a child act “typical,” but to help them participate and connect in ways that feel comfortable and empowering.
ABA isn’t limited to the therapy room — it’s meant to make life easier for children and their families. Many programs include daily living skills like:
These skills help children become more independent and confident, which is one of the greatest gifts any parent can give.
Sometimes, parents hear that ABA is about “fixing” behaviors, but that’s not what we do at So Much to Say. Behavior is a form of communication. When a child has a meltdown or refuses a task, we look deeper: What are they trying to tell us?
ABA helps uncover the function of behavior — the “why” behind it — so we can teach alternative skills that meet the same need.
For example:
This approach gives children tools to navigate their world safely and confidently.
ABA works best when everyone — therapists, parents, teachers, and caregivers — are on the same team. That’s why family collaboration is at the core of everything we do at So Much to Say.
We train and coach parents so they can use the same strategies at home that we use in therapy. We communicate regularly about progress, celebrate wins together, and adjust goals as children grow.
When children experience consistency across environments, learning becomes faster, easier, and more natural.
ABA is often described as “evidence-based,” meaning its methods are supported by decades of research and clinical studies. But science alone isn’t enough — it takes compassionate application to truly make a difference.
At So Much to Say, we practice compassionate, child-centered ABA. That means we prioritize:
Our goal isn’t to change who your child is — it’s to help them reach their potential, feel proud of their accomplishments, and experience more joy and connection in daily life.
Applied Behavior Analysis is more than a therapy — it’s a framework for understanding how children learn, communicate, and grow. For Autistic children, it can be a life-changing way to build confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships.
At So Much to Say, we see every child as capable, curious, and full of potential. ABA helps us meet them where they are, celebrate their strengths, and guide them toward new milestones — one small step at a time.
If you’d like to learn more about how ABA can support your child’s unique journey, we’d love to connect with you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or speak with one of our experienced BCBAs.
Receive Tips, Resources and more from our team to help you on your journey.