ABA and MeRT: What Is ABA Therapy for Autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely used and scientifically supported treatments for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It focuses on understanding and improving specific behaviors, such as communication, social skills, self-care, academics, and play—essential areas where many individuals with autism may experience challenges.
At its core, ABA is based on the science of learning and behavior. It works by observing how behavior is influenced by the environment and then using strategies to encourage positive behaviors while reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning or quality of life. ABA uses principles such as positive reinforcement, which rewards desired behaviors to increase their frequency. For example, a child might receive praise or a favorite toy after making eye contact or using a word to request something.
ABA programs are highly individualized and are often structured in the following ways:
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Assessment: The process begins with a detailed evaluation by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This helps identify the individual’s strengths, challenges, and specific areas of need.
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Goal Setting: Based on the assessment, the therapist and family set personalized goals—ranging from improving communication to reducing aggressive behaviors.
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Intervention: Therapists work one-on-one with the child using structured activities and real-life situations to teach skills. Sessions may take place at home, in a clinic, or in school settings.
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Data Collection & Review: ABA relies on constant data tracking to measure progress. If a strategy isn’t working, it’s adjusted to better suit the individual’s needs.
ABA therapy may focus on a wide variety of skills, including: Communication and language development, Social skills and peer interaction, Self-care (e.g., toileting, dressing, feeding), Academic and pre-academic skills, Emotional regulation, Daily living and safety skills. It can also address challenging behaviors by identifying their root causes and teaching more appropriate alternatives.
ABA is most commonly associated with children diagnosed with autism, but it can also be helpful for teens and adults. Early intervention is often emphasized, with studies showing that children who begin ABA at a younger age tend to make more significant gains.
How MeRT Can Improve the Effectiveness of ABA Therapy for Autism
For many families navigating the journey of autism treatment, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy remains a trusted and proven method for building essential life skills. But what if there was a way to make those gains even more meaningful—by helping the brain function more efficiently from the inside out?
Enter MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy)—a groundbreaking, non-invasive brain treatment that is showing promising results in enhancing not just core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but also in amplifying the impact of other therapies, including ABA. At Novara Healthcare, a Brain Treatment Center in Sugarland TX, we believe that every individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) deserves the chance to reach their full potential. That’s why we offer MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy)
MeRT is a personalized, non-pharmaceutical therapy that uses magnetic stimulation to gently modulate brain activity. It builds on the science of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) but adds a crucial layer of customization by incorporating detailed diagnostics like qEEG (quantitative EEG) and EKG to assess the brain’s unique rhythm and functionality.
Unlike traditional TMS, which applies the same treatment to all patients, MeRT tailors stimulation protocols based on each individual’s specific brainwave patterns—making it an extremely targeted and individualized approach.
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Why Brain Optimization Matters for ABA Therapy
ABA therapy relies on the ability to learn, retain, and apply new behaviors. For individuals with autism, challenges with communication, attention, and sensory processing can sometimes limit how quickly or effectively they respond to behavioral interventions.
This is where MeRT can make a profound difference, combining ABA and MeRT.
By improving the brain’s overall connectivity and communication pathways, MeRT may:
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Increase attention span and focus
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Improve emotional regulation
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Enhance cognitive flexibility
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Reduce anxiety and sensory overload
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Improve communication and language processing
These improvements can lay the neurological groundwork needed for more successful ABA sessions.
A Synergistic Approach to Autism Treatment
Think of MeRT as preparing the brain’s “soil,” making it more receptive to the “seeds” planted during ABA. When a child’s brain is calmer, more organized, and better able to process information, they are often more engaged, less frustrated, and better equipped to learn.
In many cases, families report that after a course of MeRT:
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Their child shows increased willingness to participate in ABA therapy
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Learning happens more quickly and with less resistance
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Previously plateaued progress begins to move forward again
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The child displays a greater ability to generalize skills learned in therapy to everyday life
ABA therapy is a powerful tool in the treatment of autism, offering a structured, evidence-based approach to teaching meaningful life skills. When delivered by skilled professionals and customized to the individual, it can make a lasting, positive impact—helping people with autism better navigate the world and achieve greater independence. ABA and MeRT can achieve greater results!
What to Expect From MeRT
Many families describe noticeable changes within the first few weeks of treatment: improved eye contact, more spontaneous speech, increased emotional connection, and a general shift in awareness. When these cognitive and neurological improvements are paired with ABA’s behavior-focused strategies, the results can be truly life-changing.
In autism therapy, no single approach fits all. But by combining the brain-optimizing power of MeRT with the proven structure of ABA, families may unlock greater potential, faster progress, and more meaningful engagement for their loved ones.
If you’re currently pursuing ABA therapy and are looking for ways to enhance its effectiveness, MeRT could be the missing piece that helps take development to the next level.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator at our Houston ASD Clinic
You don’t need to make any decisions now as to whether MeRT is the right therapy. There are many steps to take to discover is this is right.
First, you should talk with our New Patient Coordinator. She can explain how it all works and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Next you would schedule a qEEG (painless, non-invasive brain scan), followed by a consultation with our clinician, to review the results of the scan and determine the potential benefits from MeRT for Autism. At this point you can make an informed decision as to whether you would like to move forward with treatment.