Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
The hardest part about receiving a diagnosis of autism or any related diagnosis, is finding the right treatment for your loved one. At Coastal Autism Therapy Center we believe in providing researched-proven methodologies founded under the principals of ABA.
ABA Therapy and Treatment
There are over 40 years of research that has demonstrated the efficacy of ABA treatment of Autism. Autism is a complex, developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Autism is characterized by impairment of social interactions, communication, and the presence of repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities.
Applied Behavior Analysis is the application of techniques based on scientific principles of behavior to improve socially important behaviors and decrease problematic behaviors to a meaningful degree (Cooper, Heron, Howard, 2007). Applied Behavior Analysis involves a “comprehensive program for teaching skills across all domains, from linguistic; to cognitive; to social; to the mundane tasks of getting dressed; brushing one’s teeth; and so on” (Maurice, 1996 p. 9).
Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to understanding behaviors and how it is affected by the environment:
• The science of applied behavior analysis focuses on principles about how human behavior works or how learning takes place.
• ABA programs for learners with autism should be designed and supervised by qualified behavior analysts, who are Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with supervised experience providing ABA treatment to individuals with autism and other related disabilities.
• A BCBA is a professional who has expertise in conducting behavioral assessments, interpreting data, developing and supervising behavior intervention programs.
• ABA treatment has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies along with the Surgeon General of the United States.
• ABA targets specific deficits in learning such as: language, imitation, attention, motivation, compliance, and initiative of social interaction.
• The use of ABA principles and techniques is to help persons with autism live happy and productive lives.
• ABA treatment produces effective treatment programs to help build on the child’s interest, offer a predictable schedule, teach tasks as a series of simple steps, actively engage the child’s attention, and provides reinforcement of targeted behavior.
• Reports show that ABA treatment helps to increase functional behaviors and reduce those that may be harmful or that interfere with learning.
• ABA helps families manage some of the difficult behaviors that may accompany autism, without the side effects of drugs or other treatment.
• ABA is considered by many researchers and clinicians to be the most effective evidence-based therapeutic approach for people with autism spectrum disorders.
• Hundreds of studies have proven ABA techniques can help individuals with autism learn targeted skills, such as: communication, developing relationships, playing, caring for themselves, learning academics, succeeding at work, and participating fully and productively within their family and community activities; regardless of their age.
• Studies have proven that children with autism who received intensive ABA treatment made larger improvements in most developmental skill areas than children who participated in other interventions.
• Families who have received ABA services report dramatic decreases of stress than those who have not received ABA services.