Applied Behaiour Analysis (ABA)

Could ABA therapy help your child with behaviour or communication?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy helps children learn new skills and reduce behaviours that may be interfering with daily life. It is often used to support children with autism or developmental concerns, especially when there are challenges with behaviour, communication, or independence.

What can ABA therapy help with?

ABA therapy focuses on understanding behaviour and teaching skills in a structured, supportive way.

Tantrums, aggression, or self-injury
Difficulty following instructions
Limited communication (verbal or nonverbal)
Challenges with daily routines (toileting, dressing, transitions)
Social interaction difficulties
Learning new skills (communication, play, independence)
Repetitive behaviours or rigidity

Signs your child may benefit from ABA therapy

You may want to explore ABA therapy if your child:

Has frequent or intense tantrums that are hard to manage
Struggles with transitions or changes in routine
Has difficulty communicating wants and needs
Engages in behaviours that impact safety or daily functioning
Needs support building independence (toileting, dressing, eating)
Has been diagnosed with autism or shows similar developmental differences

You don’t need to figure this out on your own.

Many parents are unsure whether their child needs ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or a combination of supports. A local provider can help you better understand your child’s needs and guide you toward the most appropriate next step.

What does ABA therapy usually look like?

ABA therapy is individualized and often involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist. Sessions may focus on building communication, reducing challenging behaviours, and teaching daily living skills. Therapy can take place in a clinic, at home, or in the community, depending on the provider. Parents are typically involved and may be given strategies to use at home to support their child’s progress.

Testimonial

One Family's Experience

Before ABA, even simple things like going to the grocery store felt impossible. If we changed aisles or said no to something unexpectedly, it could turn into a full meltdown and we usually ended up leaving early. Bedtime was another huge struggle — it could take hours and everyone was exhausted by the end of the night.

What helped was that the therapists didn’t just work with our son at a table. They helped us figure out what was actually triggering things and gave us strategies we could use during real everyday moments. Slowly, things started getting easier. We could go out as a family without constantly feeling on edge, transitions became smoother, and he started communicating what he needed instead of getting so overwhelmed.

It wasn’t an instant change, but for the first time in a long time it felt like our family could actually breathe a little.”

– Parent of a 5 year old

Want help figuring out the next step?

If you’re unsure whether ABA therapy is the right fit, you can share your information below and ask to be connected with a local provider who works with children.