Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Applied Behavior Analysis for Children with Autism

PWSMom — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Body:

What is it?

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach teaches social, motor, and verbal behaviors as well as reasoning skills ⁽¹⁾. ABA treatment is especially useful in teaching behaviors to children with autism who may otherwise not "pick up" these behaviors on their own as other children would. The ABA approach can be used by a parent, counselor, or certified behavior analyst.

ABA uses careful behavioral observation and positive reinforcement or prompting to teach each step of a behavior ⁽²⁾. A child’s behavior is reinforced with a reward when he or she performs each of the steps correctly. Undesirable behaviors, or those that interfere with learning and social skills, are watched closely. The goal is to determine what happens to trigger a behavior, and what happens after that behavior that seems to reinforce the behavior. The idea is to remove these triggers and reinforcers from the child’s environment. New reinforcers are then used to teach the child a different behavior in response to the same trigger ⁽³⁾.

ABA treatment can include any of several established teaching tools: discrete trial training, incidental teaching, pivotal response training, fluency building, and verbal behavior (VB).

In discrete trial training, an ABA practitioner gives a clear instruction about a desired behavior (e.g., “Pick up the paper.”); if the child responds correctly, the behavior is reinforced (e.g., “Great job! Have a sticker.”). If the child doesn’t respond correctly, the practitioner gives a gentle prompt (e.g., places child’s hand over the paper). The hope is that the child will eventually learn to generalize the correct response ^(4,5).

Pivotal response training uses ABA techniques to target crucial skills that are important (or pivotal) for many other skills. Thus, if the child improves on one of these pivotal skills, improvements are seen in a wide variety of behaviors that were not specifically trained. The idea is that this approach can help the child generalize behaviors from a therapy setting to everyday settings ^{(4, 6, 7)}.

Incidental teaching uses the same ideas as discrete trial training, except the goal is to teach behaviors and concepts throughout a child’s day-to-day experience, rather than focusing on a specific behavior ^{(1, 7)}.

In fluency building, the practitioner helps the child build up a complex behavior by teaching each element of that behavior until it is automatic or "fluent," using the ABA approach of behavioral observation, reinforcement, and prompting. Then, the more complex behavior can be built from each of these fluent elements ^{(8, 9)}.

Finally, an ABA-related approach for teaching language and communication is called "verbal behavior" or VB for short ⁽¹⁰⁾. In VB, the practitioner analyzes the child’s language skills, then teaches and reinforces more useful and complex language skills ⁽¹¹⁾.

What's it like?

Through ABA training, parents and other caretakers can learn to see the natural triggers and reinforcers in the child’s environment. For example, by keeping a chart of the times and events both before and after Sammy’s tantrums, a parent might discover that Sammy always throws a tantrum right after the lights go on at night without warning. Looking deeper at the behavior, Sammy’s mother might also notice that her most natural response is to cuddle Sammy in order to get him to calm down. In effect, even though she is doing something completely natural, the cuddling is reinforcing Sammy’s tantrum. According to the ABA approach, both the trigger (lights going on at night without a warning) and the reinforcer (cuddling) must be stopped. Then a more appropriate set of behaviors (like leaving the room or dimming the lights) can be taught to Sammy, each one being reinforced or prompted as needed. Eventually, the hope is that this kind of approach will lead to a time when the lights can go on without warning and Sammy still does not throw a tantrum.

What is the theory behind it?

Many experts believe that children with autism are less likely than other children to learn from the everyday environment ⁽¹²⁾. The ABA approach attempts to fill this gap by providing teaching tools that focus on simplified instructional steps and consistent reinforcement. At best, the ABA approach can help children with autism lead more independent and socially active lives ⁽¹²⁾. Research suggests that this positive outcome is more common for children who have received early intervention. This may be due to critical brain development that occurs during the preschool years and can be affected by training ^{(3, 13)}.

Does it work?

ABA is considered by many researchers and clinicians to be the most effective evidence-based therapeutic approach demonstrated thus far for children with autism ⁽¹⁴⁾. The U.S. Surgeon General states that thirty years of research on the ABA approach have shown very positive outcomes when ABA is used as an early intervention tool for autism ⁽¹⁵⁾. This research includes several landmark studies showing that about 50% of children with autism who were treated with the ABA approach before the age of four had significant increases in IQ, verbal ability, and/or social functioning. Even those who did not show these dramatic improvements had significantly better improvement than matched children in the control groups. In addition, some children who received ABA therapy were eventually able to attend classes with their peers ^{(12, 16, 17)}.

Parents are often trained in ABA therapy, and several single-subject studies have shown that parental training helps children with autism who receive ABA therapy ⁽¹⁸⁾. Larger controlled studies looking at this issue are underway ⁽¹⁹⁾. Studies of parental satisfaction with ABA indicate that parents believe the approach is effective ⁽²⁰⁾. Parents also report that they experience less stress as a result of applying ABA ⁽²¹⁾.

Support is growing for increased use of ABA in the classroom ⁽²²⁾. One study found that ABA therapy was as effective, and sometimes more effective, than other special education intervention programs ⁽²³^{, 24)}. High-intensity ABA therapy (for example, the Lovaas method) during preschool can be more effective than special education techniques ⁽²³⁾.

There are, however, some controversies surrounding the ABA approach ⁽¹⁴⁾. Early ABA practice (in the 1980s and early 1990s) included the use of aversive techniques such as yelling at or restraining a child. Most ABA practitioners no longer consider aversive techniques to be acceptable, and the current ABA approach is equally effective without these techniques ⁽²⁵⁾.

Experts also disagree as to whether the ABA approach should be used alone or along with other treatment methods. While there are varied opinions ⁽¹⁴⁾, most practitioners agree upon the importance of early intervention, intensive treatment for as much time as possible each day (in the range of 25 to 40 hours per week), well-trained practitioners, and consistent application of the ABA approach within and outside of school ⁽³⁾.

A crucial element of the ABA approach that is especially important for children with autism is finding appropriate reinforcement for each child. Because praise may not be rewarding for these children, careful analysis of each child's behavior can help reveal more effective reinforcement tools ⁽²⁶⁾. Examples of successful reinforcers may include access to a favorite toy or chair.

Is it harmful?

There are no known negative effects of the ABA approach. This is especially the case if gentle prompting is used rather than aversive techniques.

Cost

Although autism is a condition covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, whether IDEA covers intensive ABA treatment is still being considered by the courts. For legal information about IDEA, go to http://www.wrightslaw.com/.

In order to effectively implement ABA, both parents and other major caretakers are usually trained in ABA ⁽¹⁹⁾. Workshops covering the basics of ABA treatment can last from 2 to 7 days, and cost between $175 to $1,000 per person. Online ABA courses are especially useful for parents who do not live in a large city.

Children can also be enrolled in schools and clinics that specialize in ABA treatment. These can be found in most major cities and university towns. The cost of such schools can be quite high; tuition ranges from $16,000 to $25,000 per year. However, some schools offer scholarships to parents in need.

It is possible to set up ABA treatment at home using therapists in training or college students who have taken a workshop in the ABA approach. This can also be expensive ($5,000 to $20,000/year), and requires a great deal of time organizing and structuring the program.

A qualified, full-time (30 hours/week or more) ABA therapist devoted to your child costs approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Because of the success of ABA and the evidence indicating that training should be intensive (25 to 40 hours/week), there is very high demand for ABA-trained therapists, and it may be difficult to find one who is available (see Resources).

Resources

Healing Thresholds has partnered with Rethink Autism. Rethink Autism offers a Web-based autism treatment program that is based upon ABA. It makes ABA treatment accessible to many people who would otherwise have no access to ABA.

Healing Thresholds has also partnered with Natural Learning Concepts. They have many tools that will make it easier to do an ABA program in your own home.

Autism is a condition covered under the IDEA of 2004. Services covered by IDEA include early identification and assessment by an occupational therapist. This law protects the rights of patients with autism and provides guidelines to assist in their education. It covers children from birth to age 21 (U.S. Department of Education).

Pediatricians can provide contact information for the state early intervention program (for children 0 to 3 years old). School districts can coordinate special services for children 3 to 21 years old. For some additional coverage information in the U.S. go to: http://www.asha.org/public/coverage/autism.htm. In addition, there is a listing on this Web site for state early intervention centers.

Several books that might be useful:

Applied Behaviour Analysis And Autism: Building a Future Together by M. Keenan, M. Henderson, K.P. Kerr, and K Dillenburger (Eds.). 2005. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Understanding Applied Behavior Anaylsis: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals by A.J. Kearney. 2007. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach Children with Autism and Related Disorders [VERBAL BEHAVIOR APPROACH -OS] by M. Barbera and T. Rasmussen. 2007. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Psychosocial Treatments For Child And Adolescent Disorders: Empirically Based Strategies For Clinical Practice (2nd Edition) by E. D. Hibbs & P. S. Jensen (Eds.). 2005. American Psychological Association.

Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd Edition) by J.O. Cooper, T.E. Heron, and W.L. Heward. 2007. Prentice Hall.

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References

Sacramento State ABA Program Collaborates with Researchers in Brazil

scottie — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Sacramento State ABA students collaborated with Federal University of Sao Carlos to present the largest autism conference held in Brazil.

Body:

Sacramento State applied behavior analysis (ABA) students collaborated with Utah State and the Federal University of Sao Carlos to present the largest autism conference ever held in Brazil. Faculty member Caio Miguel facilitated State's psychology ABA graduate students as they planned the research program. Miguel, trained in Brazil, believes in the importance of ABA research and training, and was tasked with updating State’s program. ABA students at State work one-on-one with kids with autism in areas including speech, motor skills, and feeding skills.

Read original article: Psychology Program at Center Stage in Brazil

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for Autistic Children

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:08:33 +0000

I have a son with 'Moderate Level' Autism, who was diagnosed in 2009. After completing an intensive ABA program he has developed to a stage where he is developmentally, educationally and socially on par with his peers.

As such, we established our business called 'Simply ABA'. This facilitates ABA Programs for families with Autistic children, please feel free to review our website at www.simply-aba.com which gives a full history of our son's condition, extracts from his original diagnostic report from the consultant paediatrician and information on his current progress and abilities, in addition to valuable information on ABA itself.

I wish all parents the very best in successfully obtaining support and guidance in the area of Autism which I understand first hand to be an extremely distressing and daunting diagnosis as a parent.

Julia

Parents Hope Thrift Store Becomes Place to Support Workers with Autism

scottie — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:25:03 +0000

Teaser:

Fred and Alicia Harmon originally opened Lil’ Treasures Shoppe in order to increase the family's income.

Body:

Fred and Alicia Harmon originally opened Lil’ Treasures Shoppe in order to increase the family's income. But with two older children, and twins with autism, they decided that the Amarillo Texas thrift store might one day become a place for the twins and others with autism to find employment. In the meantime, Lil’ Treasures serves as a place for the twins to learn social skills and for other families with autism to stop in and find support. The boys also receive applied behavior analysis (ABA) at the autism program at Texas Panhandle Centers.

Read original article: Parents Hope Learning Changes, Thrift Store Will Help Sons Grow

Extensive ABA in Childhood Gives a Young Adult a Head Start in Life

scottie — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:58:42 +0000

Teaser:

Daniel Thompson didn’t speak until he was four; his autism had been diagnosed when he was three.

Body:

Daniel Thompson didn’t speak until he was four; his autism had been diagnosed when he was three. The now 19-year-old is the subject of a documentary by Act-A-Part titled “Daniel’s Autism – Not Anymore.” Daniel’s father explains that Daniel, who has a driver’s license and bowls a 200, excels because of 80 hours a week of applied behavior analysis (ABA) at the Allegro Autism School in New Jersey. When Daniel was not at school, the family continued with the ABA. The family discovered that Daniel “thinks in pictures and learns in numbers and sequences.” Along with the ABA, Daniel received stimulation to his brain. His parents have found research showing that the stimulation may help form neural connections in his brain. Daniel has held several jobs and prefers those where he can do repetitive work on his own. He may be able to do speaking tours once his documentary is complete; his parents are hopeful that he can learn skills to earn money for independence.

Read original article: Filmmakers Track Teens Life with Autism

Center in Lagos Trains Teachers and Parents to Work with Kids with Autism

scottie — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:29:53 +0000

Teaser:

The Behaviour and Social Intervention Demonstration Centre in Lagos has begun training parents and teachers to work with children with autism.

Body:

The Behaviour and Social Intervention Demonstration Centre in Lagos has begun training parents and teachers to work with children with autism. Dr. Edward Asikhia of the Global Autism Project spoke at the first training seminar and said that while a start is good there is a lot more that needs to be done in Lagos. He advocates that applied behavior analysis (ABA) be taught to teachers and parents so that they can better help children gain inclusion into regular classrooms. The program director explained, “The programme was meant to empower teachers and parents in boosting their ability to manage and help children suffering from autism and other developmental challenges to function like their mates.”

Read original article: NGO Organizes Autism Management Training

Toronto Gets Autism Center that Integrates Education, Life Skills, and Research

scottie — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:54:20 +0000

Teaser:

The Kae Martin Campus in Ontario is the first of its kind in Canada to combine education, life skills, and research for children with autism.

Body:

The Kae Martin Campus in Ontario is the first of its kind in Canada to combine education, life skills, and research for children with autism. The Campus hopes to begin taking its first students in 2013 and will begin with 520 students. They hope to work closely with the autism research that is currently being done at York University. Currently kids on the spectrum are receiving applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other therapies at the New Haven Learning Center, started by parents talking about how best to educate their kids.

Read original article: Centre Announced to Integrate Research, Education for Kids with Autism

Easter Seals Opens New Pre-School in Illinois for Children with Autism

scottie — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:19:26 +0000

Teaser:

Easter Seals in Peoria opened a pre-school for children with autism.

Body:

Easter Seals in Peoria opened a pre-school for children with autism. The Intensive Therapeutic Autism Program will focus on applied behavior analysis (ABA) and DIR/Floortime. This “bridge” to kindergarten will help kids increase academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. The 3-hour-a-day, 2-day-a-week program is designed to complement current early intervention services. The class team includes an early childhood educator, speech therapist, occupational therapist, a certified ABA therapist, and several aides.

Read original article: Easter Seals to Provide Pre-School for Kids with Autism

Responding to applied behavior analysis (ABA)

RichardSaffran — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:24:06 +0000

ABA Resources for Recovery from Autism (http://rsaffran.tripod.com/aba.html) is a collection of resources for parents who want to learn about or implement ABA programs for their child with autism. I started this site in 1997 after learning first-hand how difficult it is to get accurate information about ABA and autism.

The site includes directories of ABA service providers, private schools, and special education attorneys and advocates, both in the US and world-wide. It also includes years of 15 years of letters from parents describing their own difficulties securing effective services and their experiences with ABA.

Spectrum House Focuses Support and Therapy on Military Families with Autism

scottie — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:56:15 +0000

Teaser:

When Linda O’Brien couldn’t find an autism therapy center near her, she opened one; in fact, she has opened three in Florida.

Body:

When Linda O’Brien couldn’t find an autism therapy center near her, she opened one; in fact, she has opened three in Florida. Spectrum House provides certified applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adults on the autism spectrum. Spectrum House focuses on families in the military and accepts TRICARE insurance. In addition to ABA, Spectrum House therapists help with military-specific issues, host a mock apartment for living and cooking skills, and provide therapeutic horseback riding.

Read original article: Woman Opens Therapy Centers