Social Skills Series: Help Your Child Learn Emotional Regulation

ABA therapy is a behavioral therapy designed to teach children about appropriate behavior and emotional regulation. This article discusses how this type of therapy could benefit your child and offers advice on how to get started with ABA therapy.

What is ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is a prevalent type of behavioral therapy for children. ABA stands for "Applied behavior analysis." This type of therapy can make a massive difference in how they behave and manage their emotions when it comes to kids. For example, some children diagnosed with autism may have trouble with emotional regulation. But when they participate in ABA therapy, they can learn skills that help them learn how to regulate their emotions more effectively.

What is a lack of emotional regulation?

Emotional regulation is a child's ability to control their emotions and behavior. This skill is developed by regulating their reactions to situations, handling solid emotions without getting distressed, and controlling impulses. For example, if a child falls down and gets hurt, they may cry for help and then stop crying when someone comes to help them up. Children with more effective emotional regulation skills can take more risks and play more actively because they know that they will be able to manage whatever feelings or difficulties may arise.

How does ABA therapy work?

ABA therapy can help children with language, communication, and even emotional regulation. The therapist will teach the child to identify their feelings and appropriately express them. They will also learn to understand why their actions cause specific emotional responses in others.

ABA therapists work on these skills by giving the child a "homework" assignment that they have to do at home. For example, if the therapist asked the child to identify one feeling and then write it down, they might give them a homework assignment like this: "Draw a picture of what you are feeling right now."

ABA therapy at home For Emotional Regulation

Many children struggle with emotional regulation. They may feel overstimulated, frustrated, or angry and don't know how to handle their feelings. ABA therapy at home is a great way to teach your child emotional regulation. ABA therapists work with kids in all areas of learning, such as language skills and social skills, so they can learn how to identify and cope with their emotions before they get out of control.

You can do ABA at home with your child by following these tips: 

-Find a consistent time to work on your child's behaviors. 

-Practice skills in different settings, such as at home and at school.

-Create a visual schedule that includes all of the tasks you want to accomplish during ABA sessions. 

-Ask for help from people in your community, like teachers and daycare workers. 

-Use reinforcements, such as stickers or favorite toys, when needed.

 -Seek support from other parents of children on the autism spectrum by attending ABA meetings. -Find a treatment provider, like an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist specializing in ABA therapy.

Conclusion

ABA therapy is a very intensive, time-consuming therapy. It is effective in helping children learn how to regulate their emotions and behavior. ABA therapy can also help with other areas of life like speech, motor skills, and social skills.

I hope you found this blog informative and the information helpful. If you are interested in learning more about Applied Behavior Analysis and the services Behavior Matters, LLC provides, please email info@behaviormattersllc.com.