ABA Therapy promotes skills in children with Autism

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA therapy) is a generic term for a widely used scientific method of behaviour modification. However, in Autism circles, It is often wrongly associated with a particular method of ABA known as Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT).

ABA therapy is based on the principle that influencing a response associated with a particular behaviour may cause that behaviour to be shaped and controlled. ABA therapy is a mixture of psychological and educational techniques that are tailored to the needs of each individual child to alter their behaviours. ABA involves the use of behavioural methods to measure behaviour, teach functional skills, and evaluate progress.

ABA therapy techniques have been proven in many studies as the method of choice for treating deficits in the behaviours of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at any level. ABA therapy approaches such Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Self-Management, and a range of social skills training techniques are all critical in teaching children with autism. Ultimately, the goal is to find a way of motivating the child and using a number of different strategies and positive reinforcement techniques to ensure that the sessions are enjoyable and productive.

In ABA therapy programs, and particularly in PRT, the intent is to increase and generalise skills in language, play and socialization, while decreasing behaviours that interfere with learning. The results can be profound. Many children with autism who have ritualistic or self-injurious behaviours reduce or eliminate these behaviours.

ABA Therapy helps to establish better eye contact and encourages learning and staying on task. Finally the children acquire the ability and the desire to learn and to do well. Even if the child does not achieve a “best outcome” result of normal functioning levels in all areas, nearly all autistic children benefit from early intensive ABA programs.