The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention method for children affected by autism can be used by parents, counselors, or certified behavior analysts. Using behavioral observation and positive reinforcement, this method teaches social, verbal, and motor behaviors as well as reasoning skills to children with autism in order to help them learn to function as independently as possible in a variety of environments. By combining educational and psychological techniques, ABA therapy works on the theory that modifying a response to a behavior will in turn shape that behavior in the child affected by autism.
Based on laws about how learning takes place, ABA treatment incorporates techniques to reduce behaviors that interfere with the learning process and to reinforce those that are useful to learning.
ABA treatment works on a system of reaction to a behavior: the person administering the treatment determines what triggers in a child’s environment cause particular undesirable behaviors, then removes those triggers from the child’s environment. Positive behavior is rewarded with positive reinforcement and is used to teach a different response to the initial trigger.
The theory behind ABA intervention is that children with autism are not as likely as other children to learn from their environments. For instance, children with autism may not adapt well to change in routine. By teaching children how to adapt to change, ABA therapy can elicit more positive behaviors associated with change in routine.
ABA therapy is not a “one size fits most” proposition, but is ideally tailored to the child’s individual needs and is designed by professional analysts. The analyst should work with the family to determine treatment goals and to measure the child’s progress.
Skills should be taught in small, manageable sets from simple to complex and skills should benefit the child in both the short- and long-term. Positive reinforcement is used to reinforce social interactions and to make learning fun, but no reinforcement is offered for behaviors that are harmful or that prevent the child from learning. Regular parent-therapist meetings should be held so that family members can teach the child skills during everyday activities.
According to Autism Speaks, studies have shown that ABA techniques work to help “individuals with autism learn specific skills, such as how to communicate, develop relationships, play, care for themselves, learn in school, succeed at work, and participate fully and productively in family and community activities, regardless of their age. “ Studies indicate that many children with autism who received 1 to 3 years of ABA treatment largely improved their communication, adaptive, and cognitive skills.
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