BCBA helping young girl with a task at a table in ABA therapy.

If you’ve been looking into therapy options for your child, chances are you’ve come across ABA therapy more than once. It’s often called the “gold standard” treatment for autism. But what does that actually mean, and is ABA really the best fit for every child?

What ABA Therapy Is All About

ABA, short for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a therapy that helps children learn new skills step by step. It can support everything from communication and social interaction to daily routines and behavior management.

What makes ABA unique is that it’s completely individualized. No two therapy plans look the same—goals are tailored to your child, and progress is measured closely so parents and therapists can see what’s working.

Why ABA Is Often Considered the Best Approach

  • Decades of research show ABA helps children on the spectrum develop meaningful, real-world skills.
  • Flexible settings mean therapy can happen at home, in school, in daycare, or even through telehealth.
  • Focus on independence helps children build skills they’ll use throughout life.
  • Parents are involved, making it easier to support growth at home and in daily life.

Are There Other Options?

Yes. Many families also explore speech therapy, occupational therapy, or social skills programs alongside ABA. 

While ABA is the most studied and evidence-based approach, the “best” treatment always depends on your child’s unique strengths and needs.

At Little Champs ABA, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful ABA can be in helping children thrive. We design each program around the child, offering options like in-home ABA therapy, school-based ABA therapy, daycare ABA therapy, and telehealth ABA.

We proudly serve families in Colorado and Utah with compassionate, personalized care. If you’re wondering whether ABA is right for your child, reach out to us—we’d be happy to talk with you.

FAQs

Is ABA therapy the only option for autism?

No. Families often combine ABA with speech or occupational therapy for a well-rounded approach.

What age is best to start ABA?

ABA can help at any age, but starting early often leads to faster progress.

Does ABA cure autism?

No, autism isn’t something to “cure.” Instead, ABA helps children gain skills and independence so they can thrive.

Sources:

  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9458805/
  • https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments
  • https://www.cdc.gov/autism/treatment/index.html
  • https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
  • https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-treatment