How to Teach an Autistic Child Using ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a discrete trial therapy used in the treatment of autism. It is currently the only treatment proven to be effective with autistic individuals. Because of the high demand for ABA therapists, many families choose to do ABA on their own. Here is a basic guide on how to teach an autistic child using ABA.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn the ABA method. ABA uses discrete trials to teach the child new skills. A discrete trial involves a single cycle of behavior-based instruction routine. Through repetition of the discrete trial, a child learns and masters skills. Basically, a command is given and the child responds. Give positive reinforcement if the child responds correctly. If the child doesn't respond, or responds incorrectly, the therapist assists the child through verbal or physical prompts to get it right. Then the child gets positive reinforcement, since the child completed the task correctly. Repeat this cycle until the child can complete the requested with little to no prompting.

• 2

  Keep a journal. In ABA, the child works on a small number of skills at one time. Write out these skills in a journal in order to keep track of if and when the child masters them. The journal is a good indicator of progress in therapy. When a child performs a task correctly, a "+" goes next to the task. If it performed incorrectly, place a "-" next to the task. To add to this, if the child needed verbal prompting, put a "V" before the positive or negative sign. Physical prompting constitutes a "P" next to the sign. Once the task has three consecutive "+" marks next to it with no "V" or "P" the child has mastered it.

• 3

  Be consistent. No matter what, enforce the rules that were set up at the beginning. Once the therapist asks a child to do something, he must comply. Whether the child performs the task under his own will, or forced using hand-over-hand assistance, it is necessary he do it. Do not back down from the rules, since the child needs to understand what is expected of him.

• 4

  Offer positive reinforcements when appropriate. Before starting therapy, pick something the child really likes. It can be anything from candy, fun playtime with a parent, computer time, or any other reward that would motivate the child. In order to get the reward, the child must do what the therapist asks of him. At first, this compliance is limited to just trying to do what is asked, but as time goes by, the task must be completed correctly.

• 5

  Move on to new skills. Once a child masters a skill, pick another appropriate skill to work on. Then slowly begin to work it into the therapy sessions.