ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)
PowerToolz, Inc. ABA Therapy Programs are specialized in working with Autism & Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
This program is also adapted to meet the needs of other children with developmental difficulties.
What is ABA?
ABA is Applied Behavioral Analysis, a structured teaching program that sets children up for success.
ABA is probably the most widely used treatment technique for children with autism.
ABA is most effective when started at a very early age. PowerToolz, Inc. has had great success with children beginning as early as age 1 1/2 years. This early start helps build positive behavior patterns before bad habits begin.
ABA derives from the work of psychologist B. F. Skinner and was highly researched and adapted in the 1960s by Ivar Lovaas, a psychologist at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
ABA presumes that autism is a neurological disorder producing behavioral deficits and excesses that can be modified by intense one-to-one behavioral training.
ABA can be defined as a discipline devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior.
ABA focuses on objectively defined, observable behaviors of social significance and seeks to improve the behavior by utilizing scientific methods. Teaching strategies are systematic and involve objective measurement procedures.
Most ABA programs begin with shaping desired behavior or responses by breaking down tasks into their simplest components to be taught to children through a system of reinforcement.
Prompts are given as needed when the child is learning a new skill or refuses to comply. As the child begins to master a skill, the prompts are gradually faded until they can do the skill independently.
Once children learn the simple tasks associated with basic development, they can use these tasks as building blocks to develop more complex abilities.
Parents of children in ABA training are advised to provide a structured, routine environment at home.
Requirements for a Quality Program
ABA programs vary considerably, but quality programs have similar characteristics.
PowerToolz, Inc. Prides themselves by always requiring the following for each program we provide.
- An evaluation that includes a baseline of skills
Collecting:
Informant Methods-
Talking to the people who know the child best
Direct Observation-
In natural conditions
Functional Analysis Manipulations-
Systematically manipulate potential controlling variables in different settings and observe the effects on the child’s behavior
- An individualized curriculum based on the baseline data
Including a basic, Intermediate, and Advanced:
Attending Skills
Receptive Language
Pre-Academic Skills
Imitation Skills
Expressive Language
Self help Skills
- Continued re-evaluation of skills
Including:
Monthly program modification by the Program Director
Daily scoring and analysis
- Continued supervision of the child and therapy team
To ensure a:
Consistent, structured, and well-trained team
Advantages of ABA Therapy Programs
• Teaches children how to learn
• Curriculum is individualized
• Programs include a family support system
• Tailored to be rich with reinforcement
• Can benefit all age groups and abilities
• Step-by-step logical program
• Can be integrated into the home, school, or other community settings
• Reduces undesirable behavior
• Improvement in about 90% of children
• Backed by scientific studies (See current JABA)
Disadvantages to Consider
Occasionally, during the beginning of the program some children may display disruptive behaviors.
These behaviors usually occur in response to structured learning. The behaviors typically decrease once the child becomes accustomed to the learning environment.
Refer for ABA Therapy
At an Early Age to Help:
• Autistic/Pervasive developmental disorders
• Attention deficit disorder/Attention deficit hyperactive disorder
• Learning disabled
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Other developmental difficulties
Duties of the ABA Program Director
• Evaluate children's needs for additional services in order to achieve development similar to their peers
• Create teaching programs specific to each child's needs, strengths and weaknesses utilizing applied behavioral analysis (ABA) with an emphasis on discrete trial training
• Train family members, school-based, medical, and other care providers how to achieve developmental progress by using structured and consistent teaching methods
• Demonstrate teaching techniques that are most appropriate for each unique child
• Enhance children's developmental progress by increasing generalization of new skills into the child's classroom and other community settings
• Educate the community about the uniqueness of children with Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and other developmental difficulties
• Provide teaching materials and toolz that are developed based on each child's level of progress throughout the program
• Advocate for parents and their children in the school system
• Refer and link families to other services in the community that may be beneficial to their children
