|
Is ABA therapy right for my child? How does ABA therapy work? To answer these questions, demystify Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, explore its benefits, and talk candidly about the real experiences of families navigating autism, behavioral challenges, and mental health, I sat down with Brittany Maurizi, an ABA therapist and founder of Balanced Behaviors. With over a decade of experience in early childhood and special education, and as a mom of two, Brittany brings a unique blend of professional expertise and deep empathy to her work. From Teacher to Therapist: Brittany’s Path to ABA Brittany’s path to ABA began in the classroom: “I started out my career as an early childhood educator and special education educator. I was in that field for 10 years before I started really working closely with ABA therapists and I just saw the wonderful things that ABA therapy can do for people.” Seeing the impact was enough to push her toward a new direction: “I knew that I wanted to branch a little bit outside of teaching. I just didn’t really know how. And then I got to work closely with a fantastic group of people and decided to go back to get my master’s degree.” Inspired, Brittany returned to graduate school, became a Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania, and is now completing her board certification hours. Today, she works with clients across ages and abilities while growing her practice, Balanced Behaviors. What Is ABA Therapy? ABA, which stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a structured, evidence-based therapy widely used to support children with autism, though Brittany is passionate about expanding access to people of all ages and diagnoses. ABA typically focuses on four developmental domains:
While commonly associated with autism, Brittany emphasizes that ABA can support any individual seeking to improve quality of life, learn life skills, or reduce challenging behaviors. ABA is not intended to be indefinite: “ABA therapy is not a therapy that you have for the rest of your life… Our wheelhouse is about two to three years.” Treatment is consistent and goal-based: “You receive this therapy daily… Monday through Friday. My position is I write the treatment plan… and then I coach the technician to implement the treatment plan.” And above all, the goal is independence. Brittany said, “We want to work ourselves out of a job… we want the quality of life for our client to improve."  ABA Across Ages: What It Looks Like For Young Children The focus often begins with communication. Working closely with speech therapists, Brittany aims to address frustrations that arise when children cannot express their needs: “Communication deficits are often where behaviors begin. We start there and build.” For Teens Socialization and functional skills take the lead, including task completion, vocational skills, safely using appliances, or preparing for adulthood. Brittany partners with schools to coordinate transition plans. For Adults A major gap exists in support for adults with developmental or behavioral needs. Brittany hopes to fill that gap by creating community, teaching independent living skills, and offering social skill-building programs. Or, as she put it: “Parents tell me they don’t have a community of people who understand. I want to create that.” The Power of Community, And the Grief Parents Don’t Expect As a mom of two boys, Brittany understands the emotional journey many families face. Her younger son has experienced speech delays and reading challenges, giving her firsthand insight into what parents go through when facing diagnoses, evaluations, and tough decisions. “You almost have to go through a grieving process when a diagnosis comes for your child… Even myself being in the field, I had to go through that process.” This lived experience helps her connect with families on a deeper level, earning trust that’s essential in ABA.  In Season 1, Episode 28, you will learn what ABA therapy really is, how it works across different ages, and how parents can decide whether it’s the right fit for their child. Brittany Maurizi, ABA therapist and founder of Balanced Behaviors, breaks down common misconceptions, explains practical strategies families can use at home, and shares candid insights from her work and her own parenting journey. By the end, you will have a grounded, realistic picture of what effective ABA support looks like in everyday life. Where Therapy Happens
ABA services are flexible. Brittany regularly provides therapy:
Accessing ABA Therapy: Insurance & Evaluations Most insurance pathways require:
Crisis Support & Community Safety ABA therapy often extends beyond behavior change - it can play a role in crisis prevention and support. Brittany shared a case of a nonverbal client who eloped from home. The police response became a powerful example of how community awareness saves lives: “They squatted on his level… showed him their badge… so he was getting familiarized with a safe person.” She is now collaborating with local officials to train police departments on how to respond to individuals with autism or communication challenges. Supporting Higher-Functioning Kids For children who are verbal or more independent, interventions often focus on:
A key tool is the Premack Principle: “First this, then that.” Brittany emphasizes avoiding empty promises: “Do not get lost into empty promises… ‘We’re going to Chuck E. Cheese’ when you know that’s not a reality… The trust is going to be even harder to build.” Positive Reinforcement Over Punishment ABA is grounded in positive reinforcement, not punishment. Brittany teaches parents to recognize small successes, remain consistent, and avoid unrealistic rewards. Even simple praise works: “I really love how you’re sitting and doing your homework for me.” Consistency, trust, and relationship-building are at the core of successful therapy. How ABA Differs from Other Therapies Unlike traditional mental health therapy, which might be weekly, ABA is:
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health and ABA Despite growing awareness, stigma remains - both around autism and ABA therapy itself. Brittany wants to change that. “When that diagnosis comes through, allow yourself to feel it… sit in it for a little bit and go from there.” Her hope is to create spaces where families feel supported, not judged.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |