ABA Therapy for Kids: What It Is, Signs to Look For & When to Consider It
We’re excited to share a new 3-part series featuring a local resource that’s making a big impact for families in our area.
If you’ve ever wondered what ABA therapy looks like in real life or whether it could benefit your child, this series is for you. We’re highlighting Rocket Learning Center and sharing how ABA therapy works day-to-day and how it supports children and families right here in our community.
Our goal is to continue bringing you helpful, locally relevant information about services that truly make a difference, especially when it comes to supporting kids as they grow, learn, and thrive.
Meet the Expert Behind Rocket Learning Center
Can you share a little about your background and what led you to become a BCBA?
My name is Chelsey Olson and I am a Licensed Behavior Analyst and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. After graduating with my undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Philosophy in 2014, I knew I would need to continue on to graduate school but I wanted to be sure I found something I was truly passionate about first.
Growing up, I had a friend on the autism spectrum, and when I came across a job listing for an in-home Behavior Technician, it reminded me of the play-based therapy I had seen as a child. I decided to give it a try and quickly fell in love with the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
I loved helping children learn meaningful skills to better navigate the world while supporting families along the way. In 2018, I began an internship working toward becoming a mid-level supervisor under the guidance of a BCBA, and in 2019 I started my graduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis.
In 2021, shortly before becoming a BCBA, my own son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since 2021, I’ve worked as a BCBA providing in-home, in-clinic, and virtual services for children ages 18 months to 9 years old.
What is ABA Therapy
For parents who are new to this, how would you explain ABA therapy in simple terms?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children build important life skills. This can include improving communication, daily living skills, and social interactions.
ABA can also help reduce challenging behaviors by understanding why those behaviors are happening and teaching more appropriate ways to communicate needs.
At Rocket Learning Center, we work closely with caregivers to identify goals that are meaningful for their family. This might include support with sleep, picky eating, transitions between activities, or helping a child communicate their wants and needs more effectively.
ABA is the most studied and the most effective therapy available for children with autism, and is recommended by several medical associations, in addition to the the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the Surgeon General.
Signs a Child May Benefit from Additional Support
What are some early signs a child might benefit from ABA therapy or additional support?
Some early signs may include:
- Difficulty communicating effectively
- Frequent or intense meltdowns
- Limited eye contact or engagement
- Strong rigidity with routines
Families should feel comfortable bringing concerns to their pediatrician, who can help guide next steps. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism spectrum disorder at their 18- and 24-month well-child checkups, helping identify children who may benefit from early support.
Research shows that starting intervention as early as possible can significantly improve outcomes, helping children build skills, gain independence, and thrive in everyday life. If your child already has an autism diagnosis and day-to-day challenges are impacting routines at home, it may also be a good time to explore additional support.
At Rocket Learning Center, we offer free introductory calls with a BCBA (me) to talk through your concerns and help you better understand how ABA therapy may support your child.
This is part of a sponsored series with Rocket Learning, designed to provide education and raise awareness about ABA therapy for local families.
Stay tuned for Part 2, and if there’s something you’ve been wondering about ABA, let me know. Your questions may be included in an upcoming post!
