Behavioural Therapy for Autism | Cadabams CDC
If you’re searching for behavioural therapy for autism, you want clear facts, real hope, and a team that treats your child like their own. At Cadabams CDC, our programs are built on decades of clinical evidence and delivered by therapists who celebrate every small win with you. Below, you’ll find everything parents ask us—from what ABA really means, to how quickly you might see change.
What Is Behavioural Therapy for Autism?
Behavioural therapy uses structured teaching to help children with autism learn new skills and reduce behaviours that get in the way of learning. The most researched model is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
Core Principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Positive reinforcement – rewarding desired behaviour so it happens more often
- Breaking skills into steps – teaching one manageable piece at a time
- Data-driven decisions – tracking progress daily so we adjust quickly
- Generalisation – practising skills in many places so they stick at home, school, and the playground
Differences Between ABA, ESDM, and PRT
| Approach | Best Age | Focus | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABA | 2–18 yrs | Wide range of skills | Centre, home, school |
| Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) | 12–48 mos | Early social-communication | Play-based, natural routines |
| Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) | 2–10 yrs | Motivation & play | Child-led interactions |
Age Groups That Benefit Most
- Toddlers (12–36 months): Early Start Denver Model for language bursts
- Preschoolers (3–5 yrs): Intensive ABA to prepare for mainstream schooling
- School-age (6–12 yrs): Focus on social skills, independence, and academic behaviours
Benefits of Behavioural Therapy for Children with Autism
Improved Communication Skills
- First words or signs within weeks for many toddlers
- Expansion from single words to full sentences
- Functional requests that reduce frustration-based tantrums
Reduction in Challenging Behaviours
- Self-injury drops by up to 90% with consistent ABA plans (CDC internal data, 2023)
- Meltdowns shorten in length and intensity
- Replacement skills—like asking for a break—become second nature
Enhanced Social Interaction
- Eye contact and joint attention emerge during play routines
- Taking turns in games and conversations
- Making and keeping friends at school
Increased Independence in Daily Living
- Toilet training success in 6–8 weeks on average
- Dressing, brushing teeth, and packing school bags without prompts
- Safe street-crossing and community navigation for older kids
Our Behavioural Therapy Programs at Cadabams CDC
Comprehensive ABA Program
- 20–40 hours per week, centre-based
- 1:1 therapist-to-child ratio in age-appropriate classrooms
- Weekly parent coaching to duplicate success at home
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for Toddlers
- Playful, parent-child sessions twice a week
- Targets early social smiles, shared attention, and first words
- Uses toys and songs your toddler already loves
Parent-Mediated Intervention & Coaching
- 1-hour caregiver coaching every fortnight
- Video feedback so you see exactly what works
- Home visit option within Bangalore city limits
Group Social Skills Training
- 3–5 children per group, matched by skill level
- Topics: greetings, winning & losing, handling teasing
- Real-time coaching during playground practice
The Therapy Journey: From Assessment to Progress
Initial Functional Behaviour Assessment
- 90-minute play-based observation
- Parent interview covering sleep, diet, triggers, and strengths
- Baseline data on language, behaviour, and daily living skills
Individualised Treatment Plan (ITP)
- Written goals within 7 days
- Prioritised targets: first communication, then social, then academics
- Clear timeline so you know what success looks like at 3, 6, and 12 months
One-on-One Therapy Sessions
- Daily data sheets track every correct response
- Fun, fast-paced activities keep motivation high
- Visual schedules so your child always knows what’s next
Ongoing Data Tracking & Review
- Weekly graph review by our Board-Certified Behaviour Analysts
- Program tweaks within 48 hours if progress stalls
- Quarterly parent meetings with updated videos and charts
Signs Your Child May Need Behavioural Therapy
Limited Eye Contact & Joint Attention
- Rarely looks when you point at an airplane
- Prefers lining up cars over playing peek-a-boo
Delayed Speech or No Speech
- Fewer than 10 words by 18 months
- Uses your hand as a tool instead of asking
Repetitive Behaviours or Restricted Interests
- Spins wheels for 20 minutes instead of driving the car
- Extreme distress if a routine changes
Extreme Reactions to Sensory Input
- Covers ears at the blender but seeks deep squeezes
- Gags on lumpy food or refuses certain clothing textures If two or more signs feel familiar, an early consultation can prevent bigger gaps later.