In the last 20-plus years, the prevalence of Autism spectrum disorder has increased on a steady basis.

According to data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall prevalence of ASD in 8-year-old children was one in 36 (2.8%) in 2020. That’s an increase from the one-in-44 rate recorded in 2018.

As the prevalence of ASD continues to rise, specialized treatments for children have been developed and refined. ABA therapy in Maryland is one of the most effective treatments, and it’s being administered throughout the state to the benefit of many.

What is the Prevalence of ASD in Maryland?

Starting in 2020, the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network started to collect data on different-aged children in sites around the country.

The latest iteration of the study, which collected data in 2020, found that ASD prevalence among 8-year-olds in Maryland was slightly lower than the national average. In fact, the Maryland site reported the lowest prevalence among all sites, with one in 43 children (2.3%) being diagnosed with ASD versus the one-in-36 national rate.

Despite this, Maryland’s rate still increased from two years before, when one in 49 children who were 8 years old were diagnosed with ASD.

How is ASD Treated in Maryland?

There are many treatments that have been developed for ASD, but the most effective method is called Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA.

ABA therapy in Maryland is advantageous to children for a number of reasons, including the fact that it’s effective, easy to teach and flexible.

The flexibility of ABA therapy is one of its biggest advantages. While it can be administered in clinical settings, the best way to treat children with ASD is through in-home ABA therapy.

This allows ABA therapists to work with children in an environment with which they’re familiar, while helping them with transitions to new environments or new situations, and also integrating their family members into the treatment.

This ABA therapy can be administered throughout Maryland, whether it be in Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville or other parts of the state.

What are the Requirements to Become an ABA Therapist in Maryland?

The state of Maryland has been licensing ABA therapists since 2015, following a law passed by the state legislature in 2014. The Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists is responsible for overview of this license.

There aren’t many requirements that are explicitly listed in the Maryland Health Occupations code for prospective ABA therapists. To receive an ABA license in Maryland, applicants must:

• Be of good moral character
• Be 18 years old or older
• Have an up-to-date certification (BCBA or BCBA-D) issued by either the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or a successor organization
• Received a master’s degree at least from a behavior analysis program that the BACB or successor organization has accredited
• Demonstrate written and oral English competency

Some states have different requirements than these, as it’s handled on a state-by-state basis.

In-Home ABA Therapy in Maryland

As mentioned before, ABA therapy can be administered in a clinical setting or at the child’s home. While there are some advantages to ABA therapy in a clinical setting, in-home ABA therapy in Maryland is preferred for a number of reasons.

Children with autism can benefit from the fact that they are in a familiar environment at home. When they are more comfortable, they are more likely to learn the skills they need to succeed in life.

Being at home also allows the ABA therapist to reduce potential outside distractions. The therapy can be administered in a relatively quiet space in the home, without much else going on.

In-home ABA therapy is extremely convenient for both children and their families, since they don’t have to go anywhere to receive the treatment they need.

Plus, with in-home ABA therapy in Maryland, it’s much easier to integrate family members in the treatment. This is an essential aspect of the therapy, as family members will need to re-enforce the techniques taught and learned during the therapy sessions into everyday life.

Blue Gems ABA in MD

If your child has been diagnosed with ASD, they can experience tremendous benefits from ABA therapy. It is one of the most effective treatments for autism in children, helping to improve their communication skills and learn skills they’ll need to succeed in life.

The best in-home ABA therapy in Maryland is available at Blue Gems ABA. We have locations in Baltimore, Columbia and Rockville, and help children with autism and their families every day.

For more information, contact us today.