ABA

[lilmissc74]

Has anyone done ABA with an older child?

[PuddleJumper1]

Has anyone done ABA with an older child?

We started right before ds' 12th birthday. One of the best things we've done for him. He's now 14 and we plan for him to stick with it indefinitely.

Edited August 28, 2016 by PuddleJumper1

[Innisfree]

Yes, we're doing it with an 11 year old dd. It has been very helpful.

[kbutton]

Yes, though our BCBA started out doing social skills first, and then we worked into other things (we knew next-to-nothing about ABA and what it could help). When the BCBA saw evidence of things she could help, we started on a behavior plan. It's been a good experience. My kiddo started at 11.

[lauranc]

I'd be interested to know what ABA looks like with a teenager (who has never done it before).  Just started looking into this as well. 

[Lecka]

I just know of some examples.

 

Getting around town -- with crossing streets or using public transportation.

 

Job coaching type stuff.

 

My son is much younger, this is what I have heard mentioned in passing.

[PeterPan]

Even my ds, at age 7, is old compared to kids who started at 2-3, sigh.  My only observation is that ABA is a pretty broad umbrella and that if you need help and find a person who's offering the type of help you need you should just take it.  For us it has been immensely helpful and includes a LOT of social thinking, perspective-taking, self-regulation.  I think it just depends on what you need.  I've read some things where people are like oh ABA is for low functioning kids or this or that.  That's not our case.

 

It took us a while to find our groove.  I had some private "I REALLY HATE THIS" chats with some people.  It just took us a while to get to where I felt comfortable with it.  But I think that's partly because of where ds' starting point was and partly me. So, depending on what you're needing to address, it can take a little bit to get comfortable, to know that you trust the people and like what the plan is.  But since it's totally custom work, I don't see that there's an age limit on it.  What I've read is no age limit.  It would be more a question of compliance, and well even then that's the point.

 

The thing that has surprised me about it is how much it improved our relationship.  I thought it would cause problems (like falling in love with your 1st grade teacher or something, lol).  Instead it's just the opposite, where he shows more affection and is more interactive.  So yeah, if you've got the funding and someone who knows how to work on your goals, go for it.

[Innisfree]

Yes, I think OhElizabeth is right that it is likely to be very individual.

 

When I first saw your question my reaction was "I'd like to know that too," because my dd isn't a teen yet. But, already, her ABA isn't just like anyone else's ABA. There are commonalities. I know her BCaBA has her car trunk filled with games, so she must play them with more kids than just my dd. But a bunch of other things we do are just because of who my dd is, and what her needs are, and what she enjoys.

 

I do know the BCaBA mentioned helping a teen get adjusted to a new high school once: basically going along but sitting in the back, observing and just being available if needed.

 

So it is likely to vary based on what you need. It should be positive, supportive, and respectful of your dc. That would be my requirement, and has been my experience. Beyond that, I'd ask when you call and talk to potential providers what it might look like.