ABA for Autistic Children

ABA for autistic children is one of the most effective techniques for improving socialization and cognitive skills, while managing self-injurious, aggressive, and disruptive behaviors. ABA, or Applied Behavioral Analysis, uses a combination of educational and psychological methods to modify and control behaviors via repetition, structure, and positive reinforcement.

The principles of ABA are based on a B.F Skinner theory, Operant Conditioning. In the 1980s, Ivar Lovaas cited a study showing that ABA is an effective treatment for autism. Many people now use the term "Lovaas method" interchangeably with Applied Behavioral Analysis.

The Lovaas Institute and many other treatment centers around the world utilize the Lovaas method when treating autistic children. Long-term and follow up studies validate the effectiveness of this method, and extensive review and research of its ability to improve functioning in children with autism set it apart from other treatment approaches.

Pros and Cons of ABA for Autistic Children

Although most experts in the field of autism consider ABA to be the most effective instructional and behavioral therapy for children, a few disadvantages exist that make it unappealing to some parents. It is essential to consider both the positives and negatives of ABA before beginning treatment.

• Pros:
  • No other developmental or behavioral treatment has been in use longer than ABA.
  • More research and support is available for ABA than for any other type of autism therapy.
  • ABA therapists typically follow clear treatment guidelines and are required to keep extensive notes on therapy progress.
  • Numerous studies show improved learning, social skills, cognitive function, self-help skills, and communication in autistic children treated with ABA.

• Cons:
  • Guidelines require autistic children to receive 40 hours of ABA each week, which is inconvenient and extremely expensive.
  • Not all schools offer ABA instruction, and those that do tend to limit therapy to regular school hours.
  • Poorly trained ABA therapists may inadvertently cause robotic behavior and speech patterns in autistic children undergoing the therapy.

ABA Teaching Techniques

ABA utilizes a variety of techniques to encourage communication, social skills development, and positive behaviors. Because every autistic child has different deficits and needs, not all teaching methods are appropriate for all children. Two of the most common techniques used in Applied Behavioral Analysis include Discrete Trial Teaching and Prompting.

Discrete Trial Teaching

Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) is often the primary instructional method used in ABA for autistic children. This teaching process assists in the development of communication, self-help, cognitive, and social skills by breaking down skill mastery into small steps with a clear beginning, middle, and end. DTT teaches through repetition, positive reinforcement, and intense focus on one skill at a time.

DTT trials focus on one specific behavior at a time, have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, and provide immediate reinforcement to help modify behavior.

• Reinforcement immediately follows response and is in direct response to the success of the trial.

Prompting

This technique assists the child in reaching a correct response through active help and positive reinforcement. Prompts can be physical, verbal, positional, or modeling. An example of a physical prompt is telling the autistic child to touch his head, physically placing the child's hand on his head, and then praising him. Verbal prompts involve asking a question, stating the answer, and then offering positive reinforcement when the child repeats the correct answer. Modeling prompts help by example, and positional prompts involve moving the child or an object to a new position to encourage selection of a specific object. The goal of prompting is to foster a positive association between an instruction and a behavior.

Suitable for All Ages and Degrees of Autism

Treatment for autism is most effective when it begins very early in life, ideally before the age of three years. However, ABA offers considerable benefits to children of all ages, and the therapy may improve the functioning of adults with autism spectrum disorders. ABA is suitable for minor to severe autistic disorders, as well as Asperger Syndrome and other PDDs. The sooner therapy begins, the better the overall improvement in functioning. ABA for autistic children can significantly increase the likelihood of future independence, emotional relationships, and functional communication.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Equine Programs for Autistic Children
• Inclusion for Autistic Middle School Students
• Main Page
• Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Techniques for Helping Autistic Children