About Autism and ABA
If you suspect your child has autism, or if he or she has already received a diagnosis, we understand that you likely have a lot of questions. What is autism? What are the symptoms? The treatment options? The chances of success? Below you’ll find answers to many of your questions about autism, as well as information about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is the most scientifically supported treatment for autism.
What is Autism?
Autism (autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental disorder that includes delays in language development and social development. Autism is often characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, and/or self-stimulatory behaviors. Deficits in communication often cause individuals with autism to engage in a variety of problematic behaviors.
Approximately 1 in 53 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to the latest numbers from the CDC.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms and their severity vary widely across three core areas. Taken together, they may result in relatively mild challenges for some, or symptoms may be more severe and interfere with everyday life. While autism is usually a lifelong condition, all children and adults benefit from interventions, or therapies, that can reduce symptoms and increase skills and abilities. Although it is best to begin intervention as soon as possible, the benefits of therapy can continue throughout life.
Social Challenges
- Delays in developing nonverbal communication skills, facial expressions, and body language
- Failure to establish friendships with peers
- Lack of interest in showing crafts, buildings, etc. to peers or adults
- Difficulty understanding the emotions of others
Communication Difficulties
- Delay in, or lack of, speech
- Difficulties initiating or sustaining communication
- Repeating the same word or phrase over and over
- Difficulty understanding humor, sarcasm, and idioms
Repetitive Behaviors
- Preoccupation/obsession with certain topics
- A need for predictability and routines
- Stress caused by slight changes, which may lead to outbursts
- Self-simulating behaviors such as body rocking and hand flapping
SUSPECT THAT YOUR CHILD MIGHT HAVE AUTISM?
Because early intervention is very important, you should act immediately if you suspect that your child may have autism. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months, and it’s possible to detect signs of autism even sooner than that. Contact us today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically grounded approach that examines how learning occurs and how skills are shaped and modified. It explores how skills develop, how they can be strengthened, and how undesired behaviors can be effectively replaced with more beneficial skills. ABA therapy employs reinforcement principles to encourage positive behaviors and reduce those that may be less helpful. It focuses on leveraging individual strengths and addressing areas of need to promote success in everyday environments. By making thoughtful adjustments to the environment, ABA aims to foster meaningful and positive changes in behavior. As one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based treatments for autism, ABA has a strong foundation in science. Initially conceptualized by B.F. Skinner in the 1930s, it has been supported by decades of empirical studies. Esteemed organizations like the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse ABA as an effective intervention.
Principles of ABA Therapy
- Comprehensive assessment
- Emphasis on understanding the current and future value of behaviors targeted for treatment
- Focus on establishing small units of behavior which build towards larger changes and increased independence
- Collecting direct observation data on targets
- Managing the environment to maximize progress
- Linking the function (reason) of the behavior to the intervention strategies
- Creation of an individualized treatment plan
- Ongoing and frequent direct assessment, analysis, and adjustments to the plan
- Direct support and training of family members and other professionals
What Can ABA Teach?
Social Skills
Requesting to peers, responding to peer’s requests, parallel play, etc.
Receptive Language
Identifying items, following directions, etc.
Expressive Language
Requesting, labeling items, answering questions, etc.
Daily Living Skills
Toothbrushing, dressing, toileting, showering, etc.
Vocational Skills
Grocery shopping, sorting functional items, etc.
