How ABA Therapy Rewires Your Child’s Brain

While there have been many assumptions and claims regarding the causes of Autism, there have been just as many hypotheses pertaining to the brain mechanisms involved, the efficacy of treatments and the possibility of a “cure”. In truth, the jury on definitive causes is still out, so to speak, and research in the area of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) is still developing. However, new evidence has pointed to how autism presents in the brain, itself, and how treatment influences this presentation of brain structures. In this regard, a new buzz word in the discussions surrounding developmental disorders and, specifically, Autism has been neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity has been described in many ways. Some of these definitions have been basic enough for most of us to understand, while others speak of “cortical remapping”, “synapses” and a complete inventory of additional seemingly foreign terms that leave us still wondering what it is! In short, neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change its structure in response to what it experiences. This means that there are networks that run between the neurons in the brain. Based upon experiences, these neuron networks can change pathways and essentially change their functions, thereby altering the brain, itself. This is what is commonly referred to as a “rewiring” of the brain.

More specifically, the brain is not much different than other parts of the body when it comes to the concept of atrophy. Muscles that are not utilized tend to atrophy. In contrast, muscles that are exercised quite frequently tend to grow in strength and even become larger. According to recent research, when signals are sent to the brain, the brain will expand the area that is associated with the execution of these signals and the movement or behavior that they result in (Begley, 2007). Therefore, areas that are signaled often develop strong pathways between the neurons involved, while those pathways that are not used will be eliminated. As one researcher explains, “the very structure of our brain—the relative size of different regions, the strength of connections between them, even their functions—reflects the lives we have led. Like sand on a beach, the brain bears the footprints of the decisions we have made, the skills we have learned, the actions we have taken…” (Begley, 2010, 9).

Of course, this means that the ability to rewire your brain can apply to just about anybody in just about any aspect of behavior or, for that matter, any aspect of life. However, because this rewiring of the brain is a means of creating new connections between neurons that foster positive habits and behaviors, while turning off those pathways that are associated with negative habits, one can see how advantageous such a concept would be when applied to children with Autism. What is even more encouraging is that this rewiring of the brain and the development of new pathways that promote positive behaviors is achieved through repetition.

ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is the perfect vehicle for the promotion of this rewiring as the concept of discrete trials used within this approach is essentially just that: constant repetition of a positive behavior. Therefore, ABA therapy is an excellent means of rewiring the brain pathways in children with Autism. Doing so can retrain and restructure the child’s brain to engage in a myriad of behaviors that are prosocial, foster academic skills and support independence in daily living. Of course, early intervention is critical as the younger years seem to be the most optimal for changing and reprogramming the developing brain.

As a result of these findings and the way in which ABA therapy promotes this transformation of the brain, children diagnosed with ASD can essentially achieve learning skills that are similar to their same age peers that are not developmentally disabled. Of course, while the results are often profound and even phenomenal in some cases, it is always important to make the distinction between the process of recovery and the discovery of a cure. Currently, there is still no known cure for Autism and ABA does not qualify as one—even through its ability to rewire the pathways in the brain for the promotion of increased learning and the acquisition of positive behaviors. Yet, what it does offer is a chance for kids with ASD to adapt and experience a sense of recovery that can lead to great success in what can otherwise be a very challenging world.

For those that wish to read further on how the pathways in the brain can be rewired for use in Autism or in a variety of life skill capacities, the literature list below provides excellent resources to serve as a starting point for such research. Much of the information within this article was presented in these materials and such topics can be explored in greater detail and in easy to comprehend language for the inquiring parent or even the motivated learner.

References & Further Reading:

Arden, J. (2010). Rewire Your Brain: Think Your Way to a Better Life. New York: Joh Wiley and Sons.

Begley, Sharon (2007). “How the Brain Rewires Itself”. In Jeffrey Kluger, The New Map of the Brain.

Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain that Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science. New York: Viking.