Common Misconceptions About ABA
Every parent or caregiver wants to make an informed decision for their child. When searching for more information about ABA services it can be daunting to read about all the positive and negative experiences those who have received services have had. Vilij ABA is a neurodiverse affirming practice and while we can't speak to how others practice ABA, we can share how we operate. ABA therapy has evolved over the last six decades and some misconceptions continue to linger. Here are our top 5 misconceptions of ABA.
ABA can only be used with young children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- ABA can be used with anyone, for any age range, and any individual with neurotypical or neurodiverse needs. ABA include the evidence, science, and data-driven based principles that seek to monitor and measure behavior, understand the underlying reasons, and develop approaches for learning change. Using these principles, ABA can be used for a variety of different reasons. Some examples include: increasing your frequency/duration of working out, decreasing eating unhealthy foods, increasing appropriate ways to request/gain attention.
ABA can only be used with children with severe behavioral concerns.
- ABA can be helpful in decreasing some behavioral concerns or challenging behaviors, that is true. These can include self-injurious behaviors (SIB), elopement, tantrum. However, ABA can be used for so many more reasons other than decreasing inappropriate behaviors, both to increase and decrease behaviors. For example, if a young adult is having a difficult time remembering to pack his/her backpack the night before school, ABA can be used to increase his/her appropriate behavior of packing the backpack. If a student is having a difficult time using his/her words to communicate, ABA principles can be applied to increase his/her functional communication. ABA is a collaborative therapy, meaning collaborative efforts should be made with any other therapies the child/adult are enrolled in. When done appropriately there is synergy between all therapy a child and family receives. This results in support with consistency, generalization, and maintenance of skills!
ABA only uses "table work” and drills kids to rote memorize skills for hours at a time.
- Meaningful treatment plans should be individualized and goals should be collaboratively communicated with the parents. Goals being worked on should be functional to the students skill level and age. While it may be beneficial for some students to work on increasing their attending skills, it may not mean that the entire duration of services per day may be dedicated to this. Doing anything for hours at a time without rest and play doesn't make for a meaningful session or allow for growth. Play based therapy is also an excellent tool to measure behavior, take data, but also ensure that a child is engaged and actively enjoying their sessions.
ABA uses bribes with children.
- ABA uses positive reinforcement based practices to increase the likelihood of future instances of appropriate behaviors (e.g., appropriate requests). Clear and objective rules are designed for these practices. Reinforcement practices are different from bribes. Bribes use negotiation with a student prior to that student engaging in a behavior (e.g., if you do this, I’ll give you this). Some ways reinforcement practices may be used include: token board, stickers. It should be noted that as the student gains independence in skills, a fade should be implemented so naturally occurring social reinforcement and praise can be utilized. The goal with ABA services is graduation to the point where your child or family has made growth where ABA services are no longer clinically recommended.
ABA does not respect a child's autonomy or personhood.
- A student's emotions, likes, and dislikes should always be considered within ABA practices. As a neurodiverse affirming practice Vilij ABA places importance on listening to both parents as well as the child for routine ongoing programming and when working on functional communication skills. Programming for students should always respect the students' individuality and autonomy. ABA does not and should not mask the behavior. Instead ABA uses interventions based on the function on the behavior to help with independence. This can include replacement behaviors.
ABA is one the most researched and effective forms of therapy for those with ASD. When researching ABA, our suggestion is to ask questions. As parents and individuals, we want to make sure we’re making the right decision and no stone/question should go unturned. The more you know, the better you’ll understand the ins and outs of ABA. Research shows that ABA can improve social skills, communication skills, adaptive behavior, and overall well-being and quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to find out how we can work together in your area of need, please contact us. Our team will be happy to answer all of your questions.
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Because every child deserves support — and so do the adults who love them. Behind every child receiving thoughtful support is an adult working tirelessly to create stability, structure, and opportunity. Those efforts are powerful — but they also require energy, time, and emotional bandwidth. Caregivers deserve a system of support, too.
Summer vacations, spring break, or visits to relatives in the winter - it seems that there is always one special day or another coming up regardless of the month. “If I had to pick one take away that can have an affect on the neurodiverse populations we work with during holidays, that would be consistency,” shared Clinical Director Sumita Argianas, “do your best to maintain the routine and listen to your child’s input, everyone deserves to enjoy the holidays and with thoughtful planning, everyone can".
This is the second in our series on ABA in the daycare setting. To read our first post on in this series click here ! Choosing where your child receives ABA therapy is a personal decision, and one that often intersects with real-life needs: work schedules, childcare availability, commuting realities, and a child’s comfort in familiar spaces. For many families, daycare becomes the place where their child learns, grows, and now also receives individualized therapeutic support. This article explains what ABA therapy looks like inside a daycare day, what your child might work on, and why a daycare environment, with all its noise and energy and rhythm, may actually be one of the most effective spaces for meaningful growth.
This is our first article in our series on ABA in the daycare or parochial setting. You can read our parent's guide to daycare/parochial ABA here ! At Vilij ABA, we believe growth happens best in community—where children can learn, laugh, practice, and belong alongside their peers. Many parents and caregivers may not know that ABA services can provide additional support in the daycare and parochial school settings. Note: This article is for general information, not insurance or legal advice. For the most accurate and up to date information, reach out to your insurance plan sponsor for more information.
You’ve got enough on your plate. Here’s a skimmable guide to open enrollment in Illinois—what changed this year, what to check in your plan, and how to make sure your child’s therapies (including ABA) keep moving forward. Note: Open enrollment is here in Illinois. Whether your child is on Medicaid/All Kids or a workplace/Marketplace plan , this quick guide shows what to check, what changed, and how to keep ABA and other therapies covered.
When a child has a lot to say but speech isn’t their easiest path, AAC —Augmentative and Alternative Communication—opens doors. AAC simply means “all the ways someone communicates besides talking,” from pictures and gestures to robust speech-generating devices (SGDs). It’s for kids of all ages who benefit from more ways to be heard. At Vilij, we’re neurodivergent-affirming. Our goal isn’t to change who your child is—it’s to expand ways to be heard , build functional living skills, and support independence. Being nonspeaking does not mean “non-communicative.” We honor every form of communication and help families grow it.
Potty training at home is one thing—but what happens when your child needs to use the bathroom out in the community?
Nighttime dryness is usually a developmental milestone rather than a skill you can directly teach. And while it takes longer, there are strategies that can help.
Potty training often feels like one of the biggest—and most intimidating—milestones in a toddler’s life. Parents are left wondering: Is it too soon? How do I know if my child is ready? What if they resist? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some children take to it quickly, while others need more time. And for kids with autism, the path to readiness may look even more unique. The encouraging news? When you begin toilet training at the right moment—when your child shows genuine signs of being ready—you’re laying the foundation for success. This is the first part in our series on potty training, to read the other articles in our series: Toilet training in the community Nighttime toilet training
You’ve received the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child, you’ve checked with insurance, and you’ve come to understand just how comprehensive ABA can be. At Vilij, we want your experience with ABA to be a good one, even if you’re not with our team. Here are our top 13 considerations for families when searching for an ABA company that aligns with your family’s (and child’s needs).