Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy – Like Magic

By Natalie Scott

Easterseals is meeting the needs of their community through their life-changing Children’s Therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Before ABA, five-year-old Efe was unable to communicate his needs and rightfully so, became frustrated. His mom, Sel Ozer, was so grateful to find Easterseals services to give their family the tools they needed to help Efe.

“ABA is like magic! Before ABA Efe would just cry because he was unable to express his needs and interests. Now, he is using sentences to ask for things like water or to go outside. It was so difficult before and now it is so much better,” Sel says.

Easterseals ABA therapists provide therapy five times a week for one and a half hours per day. It has become part of Efe’s routine and has helped him make great progress. ABA has helped Efe communicate, respond to his own name, look at faces and has helped with his play skills. The therapists are finding his interests and focusing on these to help him learn more easily.

“I am so glad we decided to start ABA. He is responding to it so well and connecting with the therapists. I am so happy about where he is right now,” Sel says. “We aren’t always able to understand our kids and ABA helps us understand their needs and help them. The therapy promotes independence for kids, which makes it easier for kids and for parents.”

Efe has two big changes coming up. Soon, he will be a big brother and a kindergartener. ABA is helping Efe be as prepared as possible for both life changes. He is learning communication skills for the new baby and learning skills for kindergarten.

“Easterseals therapists are like a team and like family. We communicate daily about how to support Efe. We define his goals together, so he is prepared,” Sel says. “Easterseals has done a great job!”

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs help increase language and communication skills; improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics by focusing on teaching new skills. Family education and support is also a critical component when working with very young children. Studies show, when ABA therapy starts before the age of two, the therapy is most impactful.   

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has built a reputation as a trusted provider of children’s therapy services, specializing in treating children ages birth through eighteen years with a variety of challenges.

Hundreds of children each year receive physical, speech and occupational therapy through Easterseals’ statewide Children’s Therapy Services, including their location in New Castle. Easterseals plays a critical role in providing needed therapy for children with a variety of disabilities whether short or long-term. Children with and without disabilities will find the highest quality services designed to meet their individual needs. For more information about Easterseals Children’s Therapy services call 302-324-4444.

100 Enterprise Place, Suite 1, Dover, DE 19904

699 South Carter Road, Suite 3, Smyrna, DE 19977

61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720

Please visit our website and see all of our services for people of all ages and abilities www.de.easterseals.com

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