ABA uses educational techniques to change certain antisocial behaviors in autistic kids. By working with these children on a one-on-one, daily basis, therapists can increase children's skills in language, play and social interaction. They can also help them get over behavior that interferes with learning. Much of the therapy is repetitive in nature, which is why sessions need to be ongoing, without interruption. Health Library * MayoClinic.com: Autism But it's controversial. Some health plans consider it experimental or say it is not medically necessary. But many experts say that ABA does show promise, especially in children whose autism was diagnosed at an early age. According to the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, a highly respected autism research and treatment center, studies have shown 60 percent of high-functioning children can lose their diagnosis of autism by age 8 by using ABA.