If you’ve been researching neurodivergence, you’ve likely come across these two terms: Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABA) and Sensory Integration Therapy. Both are effective techniques to help children adjust better to social situations and get along with other people. However, both therapies address different aspects of neurodivergent behavior.
This blog throws light on the key differences between ABA and Sensory Integration Therapy.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-established therapeutic approach rooted in the principles of behavioral science. It focuses on understanding and modifying behavior through reinforcement strategies. It is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating individuals on the spectrum, particularly in improving social, communication, and adaptive skills.
ABA Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is characterized by challenges in responding to sensory stimuli in a typical manner. These can manifest as over-responsiveness, under-responsiveness, or sensory seeking behaviors. ABA therapy breaks down these behaviors into measurable components and systematically addresses them through reinforcement.
ABA therapists create individualized intervention plans based on functional behavior assessments (FBA). This involves identifying the antecedents (triggers) and consequences of sensory-related behaviors. For instance, if a child engages in hand-flapping ( sensory-seeking behavior), an ABA therapist might identify the sensory input the child is seeking and provide alternative ways to meet that sensory need, thereby reducing the hand-flapping.
Read more about sensory processing disorders here.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy focuses specifically on sensory processing disorders, including hyperstimulation and hypostimulation. The goal is to help the child adjust to overwhelming sensory input while moderating the input the child is hyposensitive to. This type of therapy usually involves a tailored sensory diet to help the child process inputs in the correct fashion. It can include various sensory toys, a special diet to accommodate food sensory issues, physical exercises, and a sensory gym.
Read all about Plexus’ Sensory Integration Therapy and Sensory Parks here.
Sensory Integration in ABA
Sensory processing disorders, common among children on the spectrum, involve difficulties in processing sensory information such as sounds, lights, and textures. ABA therapy can be adapted to address these sensory issues by incorporating sensory integration techniques. This approach, known as “sensory integration ABA,” combines principles of ABA with sensory integration strategies to help children better process and respond to sensory input. For instance, ABA techniques can be used to teach a child how to cope with sensory overload through positive reinforcement and structured interventions.
ABA Techniques for Sensory Processing
ABA uses various strategies to address sensory behaviors based on their identified function. Let’s take a look at some of these:
Positive Reinforcement Strategies
These are used to encourage desired behaviors. For example, if a child successfully uses a coping strategy to manage sensory overload, they might receive a reward.
Differential Reinforcement
This involves reinforcing alternative behaviors that serve the same function as the sensory behavior. For example, if a child engages in sensory seeking behavior like spinning, they might be taught to use a sensory toy that provides similar input.
Task Analysis
Complex tasks are broken down into smaller, more manageable components. This might mean gradually introducing a child with SPD to different sensory stimuli in a controlled manner.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
DTT involves breaking down skills into small, teachable steps with each step being taught independently. For sensory processing issues, this may typically involve teaching a child to tolerate different textures incrementally.
Behavioral Interventions
These include techniques such as shaping and scaffolding to teach new behaviors. For example, a child who is sensitive to loud noises might be gradually exposed to increasing levels of sound in a controlled way.
Replacement Behaviors
This involves teaching behaviors that can replace inappropriate sensory behaviors. For example, teaching a child to ask for a break instead of engaging in self-injurious behavior when overwhelmed.
Adjusting Triggers
Changing the environment or the antecedents to prevent the occurrence of sensory behaviors. For instance, if a child is sensitive to loud noises, the environment might be modified to reduce noise levels.
Sensory Breaks
Incorporating sensory breaks into the child’s routine to provide them with the necessary sensory input in a controlled manner. These breaks help prevent the occurrence of unwanted sensory behaviors.
Sensory Integration Activities
Sensory Integration Therapy involves a variety of activities designed to help children process sensory information more effectively. These activities, often part of a sensory diet, are tailored to the child’s specific needs and may include:
Tactile Activities
Playing with textured materials like sand, playdough, or fabric
Proprioceptive Activities
Engaging in heavy work activities like carrying heavy objects, climbing, or jumping
Vestibular Activities
Swinging, spinning, or balance exercises to improve the child’s sense of movement and balance
Auditory Activities
Listening to different types of sounds to help the child become accustomed to various auditory inputs
Read more about sensory activities for children with SPD here.
ABA vs. Sensory Integration Therapy
Understanding the differences between ABA and Sensory Integration Therapy is crucial for choosing the right treatment approach.
While ABA primarily focuses on developing appropriate behaviors and reducing negative or harmful ones, it also addresses sensory issues through structured interventions. In ABA therapy, sensory processing issues are often viewed in the context of how they affect behavior. For example, if a child’s sensory overload leads to disruptive behavior, an ABA therapist might work on strategies to help the child manage their sensory input better, thus reducing the problematic behavior.
Sensory Integration Therapy, on the other hand, specifically targets the child’s ability to receive sensory information, match it with prior knowledge in the brain, and develop a suitable response. Children on the spectrum may not be able to process sensory information such as sounds, bright lights, or textures, and respond with unusual actions like yelling, stimming, or hitting out. These responses are neurological, resulting from a maladjusted sensory processing system, rather than simply behavioral.
Integrating ABA and Sensory Integration
Many children on the spectrum benefit from a combination of both ABA and Sensory Integration Therapy. This integrated approach ensures that both behavioral and sensory processing issues are addressed comprehensively.
An integrated approach combines the structured, goal-oriented methods of ABA with sensory integration techniques. This hybrid approach allows therapists to use behavioral strategies to address sensory processing issues effectively. For example, a therapist might use ABA techniques to reinforce positive responses to sensory stimuli, helping the child gradually become more comfortable with different sensory inputs.
Keep in mind, addressing sensory needs within the context of ABA is crucial for several reasons, such as:
- Improved social engagement and interaction
- Reduction in problem behaviors
- Enhanced learning
Deciding the Best Approach for Your Child
Plexus’ multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals can help you determine whether ABA, Sensory Integration Therapy, or a combination of both is the best course of action to support your child’s development and well-being.
Some of the techniques we may use to make a diagnosis include clinical observations, interviews with caregivers and teachers about the child’s behavior, sensory profiling, and a sensory integration observation checklist.
To know more, reach out to Team Plexus today.
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FAQs
What is sensory integration in ABA?
Sensory integration in ABA involves incorporating sensory-based activities and strategies within behavior analysis frameworks to address sensory processing issues. By combining the principles of sensory integration therapy with ABA techniques, therapists help individuals on the spectrum or with sensory processing disorder better tolerate and respond to sensory stimuli while simultaneously working on behavior modification and skill acquisition.
At what age is ABA most effective?
ABA is most effective when started early, particularly during the preschool years, typically between ages 2 and 5. Early intervention takes advantage of the brain’s plasticity, enabling significant improvements in communication, social skills, and behavior. However, ABA can also be beneficial for older children, adolescents, and adults.
Is there a cure for sensory issues?
Interventions like sensory integration therapy and ABA have been known to greatly improve how individuals process and respond to sensory information. These therapies help manage symptoms, increase tolerance to sensory stimuli, and enhance daily functioning, leading to a better quality of life.
