Adults
Adult behavior therapy is an area of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that focuses explicitly on treating individuals who are 18 years and older. Regardless of the developmental abilities of the individual, ABA therapy can be used to target certain behaviors and minimize what is considered disruptive or negative, while encouraging behaviors that are deemed positive. At Nest Life, we focus on providing adult behavior therapy services that enhance the overall quality of life for individuals and their families.
Adult Behavior Therapy Services Offered
Nest Life offers a range of options for adults who are between the ages of 18 and 62 who may struggle with disorders or mental health challenges. Below is a look at the types of services available, all based on our philosophies as a provider.
Functional Life Skills
Functional life skills are basic skills that all people need to possess in order to be independent of caregivers. These basic skills can include objectives like brushing your teeth, getting dressed, or toileting. Adult behavior therapy can work with individuals that may require unique teaching methodologies to learn these skills. For example, an individual may need step-by-step pictures for guidance through the steps of getting dressed.
Vocational Skills Therapy
Vocational skills therapy is a type of occupational adult behavior therapy that helps with a disability step into a career or job. During this taupe of therapy, the therapist will evaluate different aspects of the individual, such as their skills, education, and emotional capacity. This in-depth evaluation helps the therapist make recommendations regarding what types of employment would be best.
Facilitated Social Outings
Facilitated social outings are deliberate, planned social encounters or events meant to immerse an individual in a setting that encourages interaction with others. For example, the therapist may plan a brief social outing to a grocery store where the individual will have to work through behavioral issues and interact with other customers or grocery store employees. These supervised outings can be incredibly beneficial for the individual, but also offer the therapist insight into challenges that need to be addressed.
Play-Based ABA Adult Behavior Therapy
While play-based ABA therapy is most often considered for children, this type of adult behavior therapy can be advantageous for adults with disabilities as well. Many people learn through play, and adults with developmental delays or challenges can also benefit from play. Play is fun, motivational, and engaging, which offers an opportunity to provide certain therapeutic approaches in an enjoyable way.
Employment Support
Employment support is a subset of vocational skill adult behavior therapy that focuses on supporting an individual with disabilities after they have entered the employment field. For example, if an individual requires special accommodations due to their disability, the supporting therapist would help with those arrangements. The support may also include monitoring the individual's performance on the job and providing counseling to help them retain their job.
ABA for Interfering Behaviors
Therapy that targets interfering behaviors is designed to address and minimize behaviors that may negatively impact the quality of life. This may mean a particular behavior causes harm to the individual or others, impedes progress or learning, or disrupts specific responsibilities or necessary functions. For example, adults with autism may be aggressive or show avoidance when faced with a challenging task, which can be addressed with the right adult behavior therapy.
Independent Living Skills Development
Developing the skills to live independently does not come naturally to all individuals. Those who have certain developmental disabilities often need therapeutic support to hone these skills and act more independently without having to rely on others for everyday parts of life. Independent skills may include things like handling personal hygiene, preparing and consuming a meal, cleaning, and managing money.
Who Could Benefit from Adult Behavior Therapy?
Adult behavior therapy is used clinically to address the needs of adults with a variety of different issues. Individuals with disabilities or certain mental illnesses can benefit most from treatment, such as individuals who have been diagnosed with:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Phobias, including social phobias
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Self-harming behaviors
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you are not sure if behavior therapy would be valuable to you, be sure to discuss questions with a care coordinator.
Find Adult Behavior Therapy at Nest Life
At Nest Life, we do everything we do with roots in the science of togetherness. Instead of focusing on just the individual with challenges, we assess the full family unit to determine goals and the best therapeutic approaches. If you are interested in adult behavior therapy on any level, reach out to our team of care coordinators to schedule an appointment or discuss our different programs.
Ages18 to 62
- Play Based ABA
- Functional Life Skills
- Vocational Skills
- Employment Support
- Facilitated Social Outings
- Independent Living Skills Development
- Reduce Interfering Behaviors