Are there alternatives to ABA therapy?

While ABA therapy is considered the gold standard of behavior therapy, some adults with autism describe having negative experiences during sessions when they were younger. In addition, some parents question whether ABA is appropriate for children with other diagnoses.

Other techniques may suit your child’s needs and individual goals. When your child is evaluated either in early intervention or by their school district, the results can help you narrow down your options based on the areas where your child needs the most support.

Some alternatives include DIRFloortime, Relationship Development Intervention, JASPER, and Early Start Denver Model. For a lengthy list of other therapies and more information about them, check out our article Behavioral Interventions beyond ABA.