Think preschool, only better!
Like preschool, early intervention gives children with autism an early start on school and in life.
Early intervention for autism refers to the treatment provided to children in the first five years of life, when their minds are actively making connections with and about the world around them. This is a critical period in a child’s development that impacts the rest of their life. Early intervention helps children develop those connections in their brains in the best possible way so they can reach their full potential.
The gold standard early intervention for autism is ABA therapy, because it can help children develop skills in all of the most important areas of life – everything from language, communication, and social interaction to academics, self-care, and using their hands, feet, and body.
Two types of early intervention ABA therapy
Since autism affects every child differently, ABA therapy programs are highly individualized and focus on the developmental areas in which a child needs help the most.
Children starting ABA therapy for the first time often need One-on-One Therapy, where they get the undivided attention of a trained ABA therapist and can learn basic compliance and cooperation skills that are necessary for participating in the other type of early intervention therapy – small group therapy with other children their age.
Small group, early intervention ABA therapy is similar to a preschool. It’s fun with a purpose, where children can continue working toward their individual goals in an environment that naturally promotes learning socially appropriate behaviors. The overall goal is to prepare children to make a smooth transition to a school classroom, just like a preschool does.
B.E.E.S. is the sweet spot of early intervention
One example of small group, early intervention ABA therapy is the Behavior Exchange Early Start program also known as B.E.E.S. It’s similar to a really fun preschool, where 2 or 3 children are grouped together with one, board-certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Children in the group are encouraged to learn through activities, such as circle time, music and movement, arts and crafts, and sing-a-longs.
Through these fun activities and the direction of the RBT, children are able to learn and practice taking turns, following group routines, sharing, playing games, and communicating with one another. They also begin developing foundational academic skills, learning colors, shapes, numbers, letters, the calendar and seasons, articles of clothing, rhyming, and more.
B.E.E.S. provides the social dynamics of being in a group with the added benefit of having a trained ABA therapist guiding a child’s therapy toward their individual goals.
If you’re trying to decide whether to enroll your child in either ABA therapy or preschool, early intervention ABA therapy programs like B.E.E.S can provide your child the best of both worlds!
Look for a center-based ABA therapy provider that can easily pair your child with their peers in age and ability. To automatically narrow your search to the very best options, go to bhcoe.org to find an accredited provider in your area. It will save you a lot of time and heartache.
Time is of the essence with early intervention. So, put your child on the path to a brighter future as soon as possible.
Do you live in North Texas or the Boulder, Colorado, area?
If so, our autism and ABA therapy experts are ready to lend a hand. Reach out anytime via email an online, or just call 972.312.8733. Our ABA therapy programs, including B.E.E.S., have provided hope and meaningful change to families for more than 20 years. We can help yours, too!
