As the parent of a high-functioning autistic child, you may already have your child in various forms of therapy. These therapies may deal with speech, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. An option you may have ruled out is ABA. This is due to the misconception that ABA appears to be for autistic children that are mid- to low-functioning. The truth is, regardless of the level of function, ABA can help your child in some way. Here are a few of the ways it can help high-functioning autistic children. 

Anger Control

One of the leading ways that ABA therapy can help high-functioning autistic children is with anger management. Anger management can be a difficult aspect for autistic children to navigate. With the help of ABA therapy, your child can learn coping skills. These skills can help them understand the signs and triggers of their rising anger or meltdowns. The skills will then help them calm those triggers or work through them to prevent angry verbal or physical outbursts.

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are difficult for many children who live with autism. Though you can work on these at home, a therapist can help fine-tune and develop the skills further. An ABA therapist can watch your child and view where muscle and fine motor skills may be lacking. They will develop a practice routine that can help build muscle strength and dexterity. These skills can span out to help with handwriting and even sports. 

Redirection Therapy

An issue that many autistic children have is with redirection. This becomes an increasing issue when the child is upset or having an autistic meltdown. ABA therapy works with the child to help them redirect with coping skills, word therapy, or with redirection to tasks they enjoy. For example, your child may be upset and on the verge of a meltdown. The therapist would gain their attention and help them calmly redirect to an item your child likes playing with. Questions about the item may be asked or simply playing with the item may occur. Redirection helps to reduce meltdowns and anger. 

These are just a few of the ways that ABA therapy can help high-functioning autistic children. If you feel your child may benefit from this type of therapy, contact your physician for a referral. They can also inform you of other therapies that may be suitable for your child within the ABA classification of therapy. Reach out to a group like ABA Adaptive Services to learn more.