Understanding HRE: Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged in ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is used to support individuals with autism and other developmental conditions, helping them improve essential skills through structured interventions and positive reinforcement. An important aspect of ABA therapy is ensuring that the individual is in the right state to learn and benefit from these interventions. This is where the concept of Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged (HRE) comes into play. 

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What is HRE?

HRE stands for Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged. This concept emphasizes the emotional and psychological well-being of the individual during therapy sessions. Ensuring that a person is happy, relaxed, and engaged creates an optimal environment for learning and growth. Here’s a closer look at each component:

• Happy: The individual experiences positive emotions and finds joy in the activities and interactions during therapy sessions.
• Relaxed: The individual feels calm and free from stress or anxiety, which helps them be more receptive to learning.
• Engaged: The individual is actively involved and interested in the activities, showing attention and participation.

The importance of HRE in ABA Therapy

The state of being happy, relaxed, and engaged is crucial for effective learning. Here’s why:

How to foster HRE in ABA Therapy

Creating an environment where individuals are happy, relaxed, and engaged requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some strategies BCBAs and Behavior Technicians can use:

1. Personalized Approach: Tailor activities and interventions to the individual's interests and preferences. This increases the likelihood that they will find the activities enjoyable and engaging.
   
   
2. Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is crucial in ABA therapy to encourage desired behaviors. This not only helps in teaching new skills but also contributes to the individual's happiness and engagement.
   
   
3. Comfortable Environment: Ensure the therapy setting is comfortable and free from unnecessary stressors. A quiet, well-organized, and safe environment helps individuals feel more relaxed.
4. Build Trust and Rapport: Establishing a strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and the individual is essential. When individuals feel understood and supported, they are more likely to be relaxed and engaged.  Clients want to learn from people they trust and enjoy being with.
   
   
5. Incorporate Breaks: Regular breaks during therapy sessions can help prevent fatigue and maintain a relaxed state. These breaks can also be used to incorporate enjoyable activities that make the individual happy like going outside or listening to music.
   
   
6. Use Visual Supports: Visual aids can help individuals understand what is expected of them, reducing anxiety and helping them stay engaged in tasks. Consider implementing a visual schedule or a social story into therapy sessions. 

Measuring HRE

To ensure that an individual is happy, relaxed, and engaged, therapists can observe and measure these states through various methods:

Challenges in achieving HRE

While HRE is an ideal state, it can be challenging to achieve consistently. Individual differences, external stressors, and varying daily moods can impact how easily an individual can reach and maintain a state of being happy, relaxed, and engaged. Continuous assessment and flexibility in approach are necessary to address these challenges effectively.

The treatment team should be in consistent communication with parents and caregivers, and in some instances the child’s school to determine if anything has occurred prior to the session that may decrease the chance of the child being happy, relaxed, and engaged.  Consider implementing a log with the school or teacher that outlines the child’s day or anything that may have occurred to cause stress.  Talk to the parents at the beginning of the session about how they slept the night prior, changes in schedule, or family dynamic, or anything else that we should know about.

‍HRE in action

Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged (HRE) emphasizes the importance of emotional and psychological well-being for effective learning. By fostering HRE, treatment teams can create a positive and productive environment that enhances the overall success of therapy. Prioritizing HRE ensures that individuals are not only learning new skills but are doing so in a way that promotes their overall happiness and well-being. 

At Powerback Pediatrics, encouraging the state of Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged applies to not only our patients, but to our clinicians and field staff as well. We encourage every life we touch to reach their fullest, most happiest potential. Connect with us today to discover your options for ABA Therapy with our team at Powerback Pediatrics.