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Frequently asked questions

Questions

  • What is autism?
  • What Causes autism?
  • What are the symptoms of autism?
  • What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
  • Does ABA work? Is ABA effective?

    • What is autism?


    Autism is a developmental disability that causes problems with communication and social interaction. People with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors, have restricted interests, and may be very inflexible. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees.

    What causes autism?


    At this time it is unknown. There are a number of theories, but research has not been able to identify one known cause.

    What are the symptoms of autism?


    The symptoms of autism can usually be observed by 18 months of age. The symptoms of autism involve problems in the following areas:

    - Communication - both verbal (spoken) and non-verbal (unspoken, such as pointing, eye contact, and smiling)
    - Social interaction - such as sharing emotions, understanding how others think and feel, and initiating or holding a conversation
    - Routines or repetitive behaviors (also called stereotyped behaviors) - such as repeating words or actions, obsessively following routines or schedules, and playing in repetitive ways

    What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?


    Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science and study of human behavior. ABA therapy is the only scientifically proven method of treating Autism. It involves the breakdown of all skills into small steps, discrete tasks, taught in a highly structured manner. Once the step is mastered, the next step in the task is introduced. Desired behaviors are rewarded and inappropriate behaviors are ignored or quickly redirected or discourage. The therapists close monitoring of what is working and what is not. Data on a child's learning are recorded on a regular basis and adjusts the teaching programs and protocol with respect to what the data indicate about the child's progress. The goal of ABA intervention is to enable the child to function as independently and successfully as possible in a variety of environments. In all ABA programs, the intent is to increase skills in language, play and socialization, while decreasing behaviors that interfere with learning. Everything, from learning not to scream and throw tantrums to learning to sleep through the night, to play appropriately with toys, to use communicative language, and to learning age appropriate social interaction, along with many other skills, can be successfully "shaped", or taught, through this methodology. Perhaps a more direct way to express the effectiveness of behavioral intervention for autism is to say that it seems to help children learn how to learn. The results can be profound. Finally the children acquire the ability and the desire to learn and to do well.

    Does ABA work? Is ABA effective?


    Yes.

    Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques have been proven in many studies as the leading proven treatment and method of choice on treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder at any level. Many of behaviors, ranging from rudimentary self care tasks to complex skills such as interactive social language can become permanent parts of a child's repertoire if they are broken down into components that the child can handle, taught well enough, learned early enough, and practiced consistently enough.