Resources

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a research-based therapy that helps people learn to make positive behavioral changes. ABA has been used since the 1960s to help children with challenges such as autism build the skills they need to become more independent and reach their life goals.

ABA therapists study how learning and behavior are affected by a child’s environment, such as their home and community. Northway Academy uses ABA therapy to help children reduce problem behaviors that may be keeping them from thriving, such as tantrums or self harm, and build skills to overcome them.¹ Northway therapists use ABA in settings such as home or school to help children build skills that can help them reach their goals in those areas of life.

ABA therapy can help children build skills including:²

• Social skills
• Attention and concentration
• Language
• Communication
• Academic and learning skills
• Self-care
• Motor skills

Resources
1: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25197-applied-behavior-analysis

2: https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which an person shows symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, impulsive behavior, or hyperactivity. ¹ Each person with ADHD has different needs and symptom severity. However, many people with ADHD have a harder time keeping focused on work or schoolwork, following directions, and finishing tasks. For a child with ADHD, this can lead to challenges in school and other areas of life.

Treatment for ADHD may include:

• Medications – Medications can help people with ADHD with challenges like hyperactivity and concentration issues.
• Therapy – Counseling can help people build skills for dealing with the challenges of ADHD and learn how to communicate better, manage stress, and more.
• School supports – Supports provided in school can help children build skills that help them reach their academic and social goals.²

Resources

1: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

2: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd

The most common behavioral health disorders among children are depression, anxiety, and behavioral challenges.¹ Just like adults, children can also have a wide range of other mental and behavioral health challenges, including trauma, eating disorders, and PTSD.

Many children dealing with issues such as depression and anxiety do not get the help they need. In 2018-2019, only half of youth with a behavioral health need got the treatment they needed.² It’s important that young people get the services they need so they can live the full, joyful lives they deserve and prevent problems from getting worse as they get older.

If you are having a mental health or other emergency, call 911 immediately.

Resources
1: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

2: https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html