Wide Spectrum Common Principles
That makes sense because the key to ABA-based interventions is individualize each persons treatment while using the same, basic principles. So the treatment targets, or goals, for 3 year-old with autism will probably be different from those for a 15-year-old who has autism. But the intervention techniques will be quite similar. We can say the same about two individuals on different ends of the autism spectrum.
You are far from alone in questioning whether ABA is appropriate for someone older or with milder needs. This lack of clarity may stem, at least in part, because ABA therapy is best known for helping young children severely affected by autism and with intense, targeted needs.
Many of these children receive a form of ABA called Discrete Trial Training. Discrete Trial Training uses very clear and systematic protocols for teaching and reinforcing behaviors typically with a therapist working one-to-one with the child. As its name implies, this approach breaks down skills into small, discrete components that the trainer introduces and teaches one by one with positive reinforcements for every small movement in the right direction. ;
What Is It Like Being An Aba Therapist
Based on the accounts of ABA therapists, this line of work is challenging but deeply rewarding.
It is an interesting job as ABA therapists get to work with many children. Seeing them overcome their challenges in time is really rewarding to ABA therapists.
Some really like observing the progress even if it is in baby steps.
Some ABA therapists state that the job is not for everyone. Although they mainly work with children, they have to go between being funny, playful and silly with the kids in front of the adults.
They also need to have a deep knowledge in behavior and behavioral theories.
It is a challenging task. The ABA therapists must be patient and quick problem solvers, pay attention to details in behaviors and the environment.
Children could be really rough when they are upset or throwing tantrums, so ABA therapists should be prepared for that.
ABA therapists learn about autism and autism culture with every single child they attend to.
They will collect data and analyse them, work on the specific program at hand and adjust it if need be.
They also work with parents to make sure that positive behaviors are reinforced even after the session.
Being an ABA therapist is definitely not an easy task. There are a lot of challenges that come along with the work, and the needs of each child is unique.
They should be able to adapt and be patient. People who love doing this state that they make meaningful connections every day, and can reflect on themselves as well.
Too Focused On Eliminating Behaviors
Another criticism of ABA stems from a failure of some practitioners to focus on development of skills along with trying to reduce or eliminate problem behaviors. Tameika Meadows, an Atlanta-based BCBA, says she sees this problem when she visits some schools to consult on the ABA procedures they are implementing.
One of the first things she notices, she says, is whether the focus is on getting rid of behaviors. What are the students learning to do? What are they supposed to do instead of tantruming, or instead of trying to escape the building during the day?
Ari Neeman, a leading autistic self-advocate, objects to ABA on the grounds that it focuses on making autistic people appear to be indistinguishable from their peers an expression he draws from Dr. Lovaas. As such, he argues, it discourages behaviors without acknowledging their emotional content.
The emphasis on things like eye contact or sitting still or not stimming i.e. self-stimulation such as flapping hands is oriented around trying to create the trappings of the typical child, he says, without acknowledging the reality that different children have different needs. It can be actively harmful when we teach people from a very early age that the way they act, the way they move is fundamentally wrong.
Also Check: How To Teach Empathy To Autistic Child
Treatment And Education Manuals
The following are manuals for those undertaking an intensive behavioural programme; packed with practical information on early intervention based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Behavioural Intervention for Young Children with Autism; A Manual for Parents and ProfessionalsMaurice, Catherine
A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies & A Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of AutismRon, Ph.D. Leaf, John McEachin, Jaisom D. Harsh
Teaching Individuals with Developmental Delays: Basic Intervention Techniques Lovaas, O Ivar
Teach Me Language, A Manual for Children with Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and Related; Developmental DisordersBy Freeman, Sabrina and Dake, LoreleiDifferent Roads to Learning ,
Note: This is designed for school age children and targets social language, general knowledge, grammar and syntax, functional knowledge, written expression and language-based academic concepts.
The following books give either more general information about ABA principles and techniques or focus on specific areas.
Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism: Building a Future Together Mickey Keenan , Mary Henderson , Ken P. Kerr , Karola Dillenburger , Gina Green
Steps to Independence, Teaching Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs Baker, Bruce & BrightmanPaul H Brookes Publishing Co
Covers toilet training, play, self-help skills, etc; provides task analysis for many skills.
An overview of behaviourally orientated teaching techniques
Beyond Discrete Trial Training
As a science, Applied Behavior Analysis is much more than behavior modification. It is a systematic approach to introducing and supporting socially appropriate behaviors. Its based on the theory that behavior can be learned and reinforced. It also emphasizes identifying positive replacement behaviors for those behaviors that are not socially appropriate. Hitting as a way of saying hello would be an example of a behavior that we would work to replace.
In young or severely affected child, we might work to replace the hitting with the use of a picture card that conveys the desired greeting. In working with the child, we provide praise and small tangible rewards to convey that the picture card works better than hitting to greet someone. Gradually, the child stops hitting and instead uses a more appropriate way to get people to respond.
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Keep Teaching Your Child
Even though your child has autism and he may not learn well in the way other children learn, he is still able to learn. Dont give up! What he needs from you is a different teaching strategy.
Children with autism perceive the world differently and understand things in a different way. Learn new strategies to teach your child differently. At first this might feel harder to do this. You were taught in a certain way, and youre likely doing similar things to teach your child.
Learning a new way to teach might be challenging for you in the beginning like any new skill but in the long run this will be easier for both you and your child. All of our ABA resources provide useful strategies for teaching your child, however the ones on our How to Teach Children with Autism page are a good place to start. This includes these posts:
We will continue to add content to this page so be sure to visit the page itself to find all the resources: How to Teach Children with Autism.
Study Results On The Success Of Aba Therapy
Several studies report how successful applied behavior analysis can be for people with autism.
For example, a 2011 review examined 27 studies across several peer-reviewed publications. The review found that children who received ABA therapy experienced improvements in cognitive abilities, language, adaptive behavior, and social skills. The children also exhibited lower levels of aggression and anxiety.
Therapies based on behavior analysis are so effective that a 2012 publication reported that children on the autism spectrum should have access to at least 25 hours per week of comprehensive intervention with a similar approach. This allows children to address language and nonverbal communication skills, social skills , and other maladaptive behaviors.
Many forms of ABA therapy have been found effective in treating symptoms of autism that can cause distress and emotional harm in the individual. One 2007 report states that five decades of ABA researchhave helped to hone the process for both children and adults. The research highlights that children who receive early and intensive behavior treatment make more sustained gains in cognition, academics, adaptive behaviors, social behaviors, and language compared to children in control groups.
Also Check: How Do You Know When You Have Autism
The Right Treatment Plan
The level of autism a person is diagnosed with gives therapists a basic structure for their treatment approach. Someone with Level 1 autism who has only mild symptoms of the disorder will receive very different treatment than someone with Level 3 autism who is nonverbal.
The level of autism will influence the treatment approach, but even then, treatment plans are highly customized to the individual. For example, no two people with Level 2 autism will have the same treatment plan.
The good news is that people with all levels of autism greatly benefit from therapy. Most often, ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy are used to treat autism. While they cant cure the disorder, these therapies can help clients learn to manage autism symptoms, reduce problematic behaviors, and build skills that aid them in daily life.
Aba Is Just Animal Training Adapted For Use With People
Applied Behavior Analysis is a comprehensive understanding of why people tend to make the choices that they do. It is the application of that understanding that allows ABA consultants to help people make choices that are more effective and support happier and more successful living. The fact that some behaviorists use this understanding to help adults, to help children and to train animals does not diminish its value in supporting better choice making in children with autism. I always laugh when I hear this myth and think, hmm, people sometimes choose to feed meat bones to their dogs. Does that mean that my New York steak with peppercorn sauce is merely dog food adapted for use with humans?
Read Also: Is Autism A Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Treating Autism
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy consists of breathing an increased level of oxygen in a pressurized air chamber. This type of therapy may be effective in alleviating some of the symptoms of autism and can potentially improve communication, cognitive abilities, and behavior issues in autistic children.;
Read on to find out more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how it can benefit your child with autism spectrum disorder.;;
Aba Therapy & Level 3 Autism
Applied behavior analysis therapy is effective for people with all levels of autism, but its especially useful for Level 3 individuals. It can be used in any setting, making it much easier to meet the client where they are .
The therapy starts by creating a positive association between the client and the provider. No matter how debilitating the Level 3 autism is, the seeds are planted to help the client move past these limitations.
The registered behavior technician who is applying the ABA therapy will use assistive communication devices, specialized tools that can support and enhance communication for clients, regardless of the speech abilities or limitations imposed on them by their autism. These methods can assist the client toward independence, help them grow their communication abilities, and increase their platform for social interactions.
Additionally, a registered behavior technician will know how best to change the environment for the betterment of the client. This professional knows how to consistently apply positive reinforcement and consequences to guide the client through their therapy.
If the client isnt progressing as intended, the RBT will consult with the board certified behavior analyst who assessed the client and crafted the treatment plan. The BCBA will design changes to the treatment approach as needed, and the RBT will implement these changes.
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Is Aba Effective For Autism
As we discussed in this article previously, ABA is established by various research to be effective in the development of children with autism.
This type of therapy works on specific problem behaviors of the child, helping them eliminate or improve such behaviors and achieve a positive outcome in terms of developing new and beneficial skills in life.
Conyers Ga Therapy Services+
Diagnosis & Evaluations
Early identification of autism is the first step to effective intervention. In addition to therapy, Hopebridge provides diagnostic assessments, as well as ABA, OT and speech evaluations to get the answers your family needs to set the stage at a young age.
ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis is the basis of Hopebridge’s comprehensive 1-on-1 therapy. By using these targeted techniques and principles of learning in collaboration with other therapies, we influence significant, positive change and independence.
Occupational Therapy
The beauty of pediatric OT is that it teaches kids through what they love most – playtime! Hopebridge creates fun and supportive environments to address sensory, cognitive, perceptual and fine motor skills, including self-care and handwriting.
Speech & Language Therapy
All children communicate in some form, even if nonverbal. It’s our job teach them how to communicate their wants in a way that is understood by others. This ranges from developing oral motor control to make sounds, to using words to create meaningful relationships.
Feeding & Swallowing Therapy
Our team mixes therapies for children having challenges with food. From mechanical concerns to sensory aversions, we cover it to lead your kiddo to the nutrition he or she needs, and the smoother functioning mealtimes you desire.
Family Training
Also Check: Does My Child Have Autism
Aba Can Teach Skills And Change Behaviors
Applied behavior analysis is often described as the “gold standard” for autism treatment. Applied behavior analysis is a system of autism treatment based on behaviorist theories which, simply put, state that desired behaviors can be taught through a system of rewards and consequences.
ABA can be thought of as applying behavioral principles to behavioral goals and carefully measuring the results. While the idea of using rewards and consequences to teach behavior is probably as old as human civilization, the idea of carefully applying rewards and consequences to achieve specific, measurable goals is relatively new.
While many people are strong advocates of ABA because of its demonstrable success in achieving specific outcomes, others believe it is at best disrespectful and, at worst, actually damaging to the individual.
Take Care Of Yourself
Being a parent is a full time job with little, if any, time for taking care of yourself. Children with autism often require even more attention than other children. And due to sleep problems often the precious time in the middle of the night gets interrupted. Yet taking time for yourself will make you a better parent. Taking care of yourself isnt selfish. Its necessary.
But how can you possibly manage this? Trying to arrange a break might feel like more effort than its worth. However once it becomes part of your routine it will be easier. Here are some strategies to get you started:
- Divide and conquer
Lets look at how this can work.
Recommended Reading: How To Make A Visual Schedule For Autism
Why Should Aba Make The Cut
Applied Behavior Analysis is both a form of therapy, and also a way of understanding behavior.; ABA looks at the context within which behavior occurs, then uses this information to help you identify more appropriate behaviors to teach your child. For a more detailed explanation of ABA read What is Applied Behavior Analysis? ABA Therapy Explained!
Here are 6 reasons your child with autism needs ABA!
Aba Is An Experimental Treatment And Not Scientifically Demonstrated To Be Effective
This about as far from the truth as you can get. Of all the forms of therapy and education that are available for children with autism, ABA is the program that has the most scientific positive data and support for its principles, techniques and overall effectiveness. There are at least a dozen professional journals that are dedicated to the science of ABA, Autism intervention and intellectual disabilities that have published thousands of individual research findings and large group studies. In fact, ABA is currently the only autism therapy recommended for long-term benefit by the United States Surgeon General. As a treatment for autism, Chapter Three of the Surgeon Generals report on Mental Health, 1999, states, Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior.
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Subsets Of Aba Therapy Measure Success In Different Areas
Medical practitioners approve of ABA treatment and refer people with autism to therapists who specialize in a subset of ABA.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there are some popular and measurably effective subsets of ABA therapy.
Discrete trial training/teaching : With this approach, the larger treatment plan is broken down into specific, discrete parts. These parts are as simple as possible, so the learning process is very clear. Positive reinforcement is used to reward correct or positive behaviors. Inappropriate behavior choices are ignored.
Discrete trial training uses the ABC method: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence. Working with this model, therapists can help the person with autism to understand that maladaptive behaviors, as antecedents, lead to reactive behaviors in others and thus, negative or hurtful consequences. While the ABC method is often applied in other types of behavior therapy, it is specific to DTT.
Research has shown that it can require up to 600 hours of therapy to apply DTT in a progressive way that works for most clients.
Early intensive behavioral intervention : Many studies have shown that ABA therapy can work for all ages, but it works particularly well for young children. In response, EIBI was developed for children who are 5 years old or younger.