Families & Caregivers
Behavioral Therapy for Angelman Syndrome
Behavioral therapy is typically performed by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
Individuals living with AS may qualify for and benefit from interventions used in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and autism spectrum disorder, including applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA is a type of behavioral therapy where the interventions are science based and targeted to the individual’s behavioral, social and adaptive strengths and weaknesses. Strategies for supports and interventions are typically developed with a team led by a BCBA.
The consensus guidelines recommend behavioral therapy/ABA be considered at 1-3 years of age and may continue throughout the lifespan for individuals living with AS. Behavioral therapy/ABA may be more difficult to access than other therapy services in AS. Some states require that an individual have an additional diagnosis like autism to be eligible for behavioral therapy/ABA.
Some symptoms that may be addressed by behavioral therapy or ABA include:
Sleep difficulties
Aggression toward others (biting, hair-pulling, grabbing, hitting)
Self-injury (biting hand, hitting head)
Toileting
Activities of daily living (washing hands, brushing teeth)
Repetitive behaviors
Any new onset behavioral concerns or changes in sleep should prompt medical evaluation. Potential medical causes for behavioral changes include pain, illness or infection, constipation, reflux, dental problems, scoliosis, seizures, or period-related pain in females.
For more information about behavioral therapy/ABA in Angelman syndrome:
Behaviors that Challenge (from the Surrey Place Developmental Disabilities Primary Care Program
A Guide to Understanding Behavioural Problems and Emotional Concerns (Psychiatric Symptoms and Behaviours Screen from the Surrey Place Developmental Disabilities Primary Care Program)