How does ABA benefit those with Autism?
Over the last decade, the nation has seen a particularly dramatic increase in the use of ABA to help persons with autism live happy and productive lives. In particular, ABA principles and techniques can foster basic skills such as looking, listening and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another person’s perspective. Research had indicated that many children with autism experience significant improvements in learning, reasoning, communication and adaptability when they participate in high-quality ABA programs. Some preschoolers who participate in early intensive ABA for two or more years acquire sufficient skills to participate in regular classrooms with little or no additional support. Other children learn many important skills, but still need additional educational support to succeed in a classroom (courtesy Autism Speaks).
What kind of progress can be expected with ABA?
Competently delivered ABA intervention can help learners with autism make meaningful changes in many areas. However, changes do not typically occur quickly. Rather, most learners require intensive and ongoing instruction that builds on their step-by-step progress. Moreover, the rate of progress – like the goals of intervention – varies considerably from person to person depending on age, level of functioning, family goals and other factors.
Some learners do acquire skills quickly. But typically, this rapid progress happens in just one or two particular skill areas such as reading, while much more instruction and practice is needed to master another skill area such as interacting with peers (courtesy Autism Speaks).
What age range do you work with?
We work with all age ranges.
What diagnoses do you work with?
We can work with children with a variety of diagnoses in addition to Autism such as Down Syndrome, ADHD, Developmental Delay, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Conduct Disorder. Most insurance companies require an Autism diagnosis to pay for services but we are always happy to check benefits and coverage.
What qualifications do your analysts and behavior technicians have?
Each program is developed and overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that has a master’ degree and supervised experience providing ABA treatment for Autism. All behavior technicians must undergo rigorous training and pass a competency assessment completed by a BCBA as well as an exam to earn their Registered Behavior Technician credential. Most of our behavior technicians are working towards a degree in behavior analysis, speech and language disorders, education, psychology, or social work. Many also possess bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
Resources
There is a lot of misinformation surrounding Applied Behavior Analysis. Check out these links regarding myths and misconceptions regarding ABA!
http://nationalautismnetwork.com/about-autism/autism-treatments/top-10-myths-about-applied-behavior-analysis.html
https://www.relias.com/blog/myths-about-applied-behavior-analysis
Links for more information on behavior, behavior analysis, and behavior therapy:
http://behavior.org/
https://handsinautism.iupui.edu/index.htm#.WqbvcbQ-fq0
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/
http://behaviorbabe.com/