Applied Behavior Analysis can be used to correct behavior issues in autism, plus it can help children with autism learn new skills. Applied Behavior Analysis is the only therapy with years of scientific research to prove its effectiveness.
At first, understanding exactly what is ABA and how it works may seem complicated. However, it is important that parents who wish to use this therapy with their children do understand it.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis
Although Applied Behavior Analysis is not a new science, it has recently gained popularity due to a study published in 1993 by McEachin, S.J., Smith, T. and Lovaas, O.I. in the American Journal of Mental Retardation titled "Long-term outcomes for children with autism who received early intensive behavioral treatment" . McEachin, Smith and Lovaas are behavior analytic scientists from the University of California in Los Angeles. Their study, which is known as the Lovaas study, has proven the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis as therapy for children with autism.
Behavior analytic scientists study the natural laws that cause behavior. Behavior analysts believe all behavior has an antecedent and a consequence. An antecedent is simply what causes a behavior to occur, while a consequence is what happens right after the behavior occurs. By controlling what happens before and after a given behavior ABA, therapists can modify behavior.
Children with autism have many behavior problems that need to be addressed in addition to delays in their development. Some of the most common behavior problems include aggression, attention problems, very low tolerance for frustration and self stimulation. Delays in development include speech difficulties, fine and gross motor deficiencies, lack of play skills and social interactions. In addition, most children with autism also have sensory problems.
Applying the principles of behavior analysis can help decrease unwanted behaviors in children with autism, for example, aggression, while increasing desired behaviors like communication. A trained behavior analyst will first analyze a child's behavior to determine which behaviors need to be modified and which skills need to be taught, and then develop a tailored made program. Once a program has been developed, parents and behavior therapists can work together to put it in practice.
How to Get Started
There are many things to consider when starting an Applied Behavior Analysis -- or ABA -- program at home. For those parents interested in beginning an ABA program, the following tips will help you get started.
Choose a Room
You should choose one room where you will be working with your child and where you will keep all the materials needed. This room can be your child’s bedroom or some other room in your house, as long as it is always quiet and free of distractions. Try to limit the amount of decorations, wall hangings, paintings, etc…that could distract your child. If possible paint the walls a calming and neutral color. Once you have a room chosen you should be consistent and always work there.
Kid Size Table and Chairs
Buy one of those kid size tables and chairs so your child is comfortable while he works. If he is too young to sit in a chair you can use his highchair instead.
Books
Get a copy of A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism by Lear, McEachin and Harch [DRL Books,1999].
There are other books available. but this one is easy to understand and very thorough.The first chapters explain the theory behind ABA. Following this, the book has a whole curriculum of programs to teach, starting with the basics of Attention all the way to Reading and Writing. It can be purchased online through Amazon. Both Dr. Ron Leaf and Dr. John McEachin were Dr. Lovaas' students and worked with him. They are considered the top specialists in the field of Behavior Analysis.
Three-Ring Binder
You will be placing the different programs your child will be working on in this binder. It is here that you will record his progress. If you have different ABA therapists working with you, then they can all refer to the information in this binder.
Rewards
Keep a box full of trinkets, stickers, cheap toys, balloons…that can be used as a reward for a job well done. Even food, like a child’s favorite cereal or small pieces of candy, can be used as a reward. Rewards, also called reinforcers, are key to success in modifying behavior. In the beginning your child will need to be continually rewarded to achieve a task. But don't worry, later these tangible rewards will be faded and substituted by a more appropriate reinforcer- praise.
Box of Laminated Language Builder Cards
These cards have multiple uses and are essential if your child is nonverbal. They will be part of all the language programs.
Age Appropriate Toys
Have on hand an assortment of basic toys such as blocks, wooden peg puzzles and balls.
Remember, this is only a basic beginners list of materials. You will be adding more resources as your child progresses.
Every child is capable of learning, although some will need extra help. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an effective therapy that provides the extra help that many children with autism need.
Additional reading on ABA therapy:
Maurice, K. Let Me Hear Your Voice. New York: Random House, Inc., 1994.
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