To access ABA therapy, a child must first have a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The process begins with a psychologist interviewing parents, reviewing school and previous testing data, and observing the child’s behaviour in a structured setting to compare it with known autism characteristics.
Early signs in young children include lack of eye contact, difficulty with pretend play, social withdrawal (preferring parallel play), repetitive behaviours (e.g., toe walking, rocking), and sensory sensitivities (e.g., aversion to certain textures or smells).
Once diagnosed, children are referred for ABA, where a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in certain countries or a licensed practitioner/ psychologist evaluates the child’s needs, sets therapy hours, and begins personalised treatment. Parents often fear the autism label, but accepting the diagnosis opens the door to therapies that improve a child’s development and independence.
