For nearly two years, a local mom avoided taking her son shopping. Trips to the store often ended in loud outbursts, head-banging, and aggression. Simply put, it wasn’t safe for them. But recently, something incredible happened. They went to Target together. Not only did they walk into the store, but they also walked calmly up and down the front section. He rode in the cart. He even went through the checkout lane and purchased a drink. And while he briefly yelled once after passing by the books, which he absolutely loves, he did not engage in any severe maladaptive behaviors. This moment marked a major win for both of them. And it’s a powerful example of the progress that’s possible through focused ABA therapy.
Please note: Therapy is a highly personal experience, and, like any other treatment, results are not uniform. Several factors determine whether a child will benefit from ABA therapy, including individual characteristics, the nature of their needs, and the quality of support they receive at home and/or school.
What Are Maladaptive Behaviors in Autism?
Maladaptive behaviors in autism are actions that can interfere with daily life or safety. These may include:
- Aggression
- Head banging
- Tantrums
- Self-injury
- Screaming or yelling
- Running away
For this family, head banging and aggression made everyday activities like shopping nearly impossible. It wasn’t just hard; it was risky.
These behaviors are often triggered when a child doesn’t get something they want, has trouble waiting, or feels overwhelmed. In this case, walking past favorite items, such as books, was especially challenging.
Working on Real-Life Skills at Circle City ABA
At Circle City ABA, we focus on building skills that make life easier and safer for families. This client is currently working on tolerating walking past preferred items without reacting in a harmful way. That means practicing walking by toys, books, or favorite snacks without grabbing them or having a meltdown.
Therapists use positive reinforcement to help the child:
- Stay calm
- Follow directions
- Use appropriate ways to express wants
- Handle disappointments or changes
Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens. In this case, severe behaviors have become mild and manageable. The child still struggles at times, but the difference is night and day from where they started.
Real Progress, Real Impact
Here’s what success looked like during that Target trip:
- Riding in the cart calmly
- Walking through the front of the store
- Passing by favorite items like books
- Purchasing a drink at checkout
- No headbanging. No aggression. One brief yell, then calm again.
For many, this might seem like a small errand. For this mom and child, it was a huge milestone.
It showed that all the practices at Circle City ABA are working. The skills being built inside the center are now starting to show up in real life.
Celebrating Small Wins That Matter
At Circle City ABA, we’re all about progress over perfection. A quick trip to the store might seem like no big deal to some, but for this family, it was everything. It showed that real change is happening.
There will still be tough days. However, this moment is a reminder that with the right support, even big challenges can start to feel smaller. And the everyday stuff, like grabbing a drink at Target, can turn into something to smile about, not stress over.
How to Start ABA Therapy Services at Circle City ABA
If your child struggles with maladaptive behaviors, you’re not alone. Many families face similar challenges, and help is available.
Circle City ABA offers therapy for children with autism. We help kids work through tough behaviors and learn skills that make everyday life easier. Our approach is fun, supportive, and built around what works best for your child.
Contact our admissions team for more information on our services and how we can support you and your child. Find a location near you! We serve Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska.
* Our Arizona ABA Therapy locations are equipped to serve individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and other developmental diagnoses. Our Scottsdale ABA Center focuses explicitly on teens (13+) and adults.
Disclaimer: Every child is different. This story reflects one child’s progress. Outcomes may vary based on several factors, including the child’s unique needs and the support they receive.
