Autism Services
Teen ABA Therapy (Ages 13-18)
ABA Therapy for Teens
Autism may go undiagnosed for a long time and only show signs after infancy. Teenagers benefit from individualized ABA therapy to grow into self-reliant, successful adults. Whether you have received a late diagnosis, or your child is struggling with their IEP (Individualized Education Program), ABA Centers of Tennessee has the resources and expertise teenagers need.
Teenage ABA Therapy differs from child ABA Therapy’s goals and action plans.
Teen ABA Therapy What to Expect
Attention Skills
Teen life is full of distractions. An important part of staying on track is mastering focus and goal setting. Whether through video games, card games, board games, or homework, ABA therapy can hone your child’s ability to concentrate.
Social or communication Skills
ABA therapy can help teens communicate their needs, understand social cues, participate in conversations, and build healthy relationships. Sessions may address skills such as taking turns, respecting personal boundaries, handling disagreements, asking for help, advocating for themselves, and communicating in person or through digital platforms.
Music and Reading
Music, reading, and other personal interests can create meaningful opportunities to develop new abilities. These activities may help teens practice comprehension, self-expression, attention, creativity, and emotional regulation. Therapists can also use a teen’s interests to encourage communication, shared engagement, and participation in positive leisure activities.
Finances
Learning to manage money is an important step toward independence. ABA therapy may help teens understand the value of money, create a simple budget, compare prices, make purchases, count change, and distinguish between needs and wants. These skills can be practiced through realistic activities that prepare teens for everyday financial decisions.
Self-Care
Hygiene and appearance become increasingly important with age. ABA therapy can solidify skills your teenager learned in childhood, like maintaining cleanliness, regular grooming, and brushing teeth. Puberty also brings many changes that can lead to emotional outbursts. ABA therapy ensures your child has the emotional maturity to mature into a healthy adult.
Planning for post-academic life
ABA therapy can help teenagers prepare for adulthood by building organization, problem-solving, decision-making, and independent-living skills. Depending on the teen’s goals, therapy may focus on exploring career interests, preparing for college or vocational programs, completing household responsibilities, using transportation, following a schedule, and practicing workplace behaviors. Families and therapists work together to identify meaningful goals and help teens take achievable steps toward their future.
What Teenage ABA Therapy Accomplishes
Adolescence is an opportunity to get ready for adulthood. ABA therapy can give your child the self-esteem and confidence to achieve independence. Whether the focus is looking for a job or interacting with their peers and forming lasting bonds, ABA therapy is here to help.
We use positive reinforcement to bring about healthy behaviors that encourage personal growth. Through their personalized plan, they will learn skills to help them cope with the stresses of academic life, careers, and interpersonal relationships.
We Focus on Your Teens' Needs
Regardless of how neurodiversity touches your family, we can ensure our ABA therapy programs for teens offer clients (and their families) the optimal opportunity to lead full, independent, and enriching lives. Learn more about your autism care options. Call us at (844) 423-9483 to speak with a member of our Autism Care Team or fill out the form below.