263. ABA Therapy: Helpful, Harmful, or Misunderstood? What Parents Need to Know
Mar 26, 2026ABA therapy is one of the most talked about — and often misunderstood — therapies in the autism world. Some families swear by it. Others strongly oppose it. And many parents are left wondering what to believe and whether it’s something they should consider for their child.
In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola breaks down what Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) actually is, how it has evolved over time, and the types of behaviors it’s commonly used to address at different ages — from early childhood through the teen years and into adulthood.
Shannon also shares personal insight from raising her son Jordan, why her family focused on occupational therapy instead of ABA, and how different therapies can overlap in the skills they support.
You’ll also learn:
• What ABA therapy actually focuses on
• How ABA today differs from earlier approaches
• The kinds of behaviors ABA may help address at different ages
• What parents should look for in a quality provider
• Georgia-specific information about insurance coverage for ABA therapy
• Why the right therapy path looks different for every child
If you’ve ever wondered whether ABA therapy might help your child — or if you’ve heard conflicting opinions and don’t know what to think — this episode will give you the information you need to make the best decision for your family.
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