Using ABA to Build Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) aims to support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so they can live as independently as possible. There are many different ways in which this is done through targeted interventions that address each child’s unique strengths, challenges, preferences and needs.

Whether therapists are working with patients to develop new skills or modify behaviors, they are simultaneously helping them to build self-esteem and self-awareness.

For a variety of reasons, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may lack self-esteem and self-awareness, which are two key skills one needs in different stages throughout life.

In this article, we’ll discuss how ABA therapy helps build self-esteem and self-awareness in children on the autism spectrum.

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How ABA Therapy Builds Self-Esteem

A fundamental approach of ABA therapy is to teach new skills or behaviors in small and manageable steps. Breaking down more complex tasks into individual steps this way makes it easier for children with autism to understand and master.

As new targeted interventions are administered, therapists will use positive reinforcement. When children successfully attempt or complete one of these tasks, for example, they may receive extra time with a toy they love, extra praise from the therapist or a token that they can exchange for something they want later.

The positive reinforcement rewards them for a job well done, which in turn increases their engagement with the therapy and keeps them motivated to want to do more.

Not only that, but it helps to build self-esteem as they feel good about themselves when they are praised and receive rewards.

Over time, mastery of different skills will also lead to a boost in self-esteem. It gives them confidence as they interact with others, communicate and go about their daily lives.

As they become more independent thanks to the new skills they’ve acquired, they can rely on themselves more, which also leads to increased self-esteem as they know they’re capable of doing it.

How ABA Therapy Builds Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is another important overarching skill that ABA therapy can teach in various ways. When children with autism can learn to be self-aware, they can better regulate their emotions and interact with the world around them.

The first step in doing this is helping children identify when they are feeling a certain way. This is often done through a self-assessment, where the patient is encouraged to monitor their actions and feelings and record them.

Recording these feelings and thoughts will help them to recognize patterns in feelings and behavior, as well as the consequences that could come as a result.

Emotional regulation is a big part of self-awareness in ABA therapy. Teaching children how they can recognize their feelings and act in an appropriate way is key to independence.

By recognizing when they’re sad, angry, anxious and overwhelmed, for instance, children can figure out how to act in an appropriate way.

Through other targeted ABA strategies, children can improve their identification skills to realize that they’re angry because they’re hungry. Then, through improved communication, they can ask an adult for help getting food, if they need it.

Children will face many big and challenging emotions throughout their lives, and helping them to become more self-aware is a vital aspect of ABA therapy.

Blue Gems ABA Helps Children Build Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness

Building self-esteem and self-awareness is a key aspect of learning to live independently. As children grow older, they need to feel confident about doing things and aware of how they’re feeling and affecting others if they want to successfully navigate the world around them.

At Blue Gems ABA, one of our main goals for all our patients is to help them live as independently as possible. That looks different for each individual, which is why we craft all of our ABA therapy treatment plans based specifically on each patient’s unique strengths, challenges, preferences and needs.

To learn more, please contact us today.