How to Use Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy for Autism

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy can help with autism. Talk
About Curing Autism defines autism as "a devastating neurological and biological disorder typically affecting children between the ages of 18 months to five years of age. Autism affects each individual differently and at different levels of severity. Some individuals with autism are severely affected, cannot speak, and require constant one on one care,and are never able to live on their own. While others are less severe, can communicate, and eventually acquire the necessary skills to live on their own."

Instructions

How To Use Applied Behavioral Anatysis Therapy for Autism

• 1

  Autism is defined as developmental delay that includes symptoms of
  speech difficulties, lack of eye contact and isolation. The behavioral
  symptoms of autism include abnormalities of language and thinking
  skills, repetitive behavior called "Stims" such as rocking movements,
  walking on tiptoes, and flapping arms and hand gestures. Autistic
  people have abnormal responses to sensations, people, events and
  objects. They are prone to self-injurious actions.

  According to Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D., Ph.D., "What causes autism
  specifically is not known. Some experts believe there are bio-chemical
  reasons for autism; others suspect that it is a psychiatric disorder.
  Some believe that a combination of the wrong foods and too many
  antibiotics and environmental toxins can damage the colon and lead to
  physical and behavioral problems, including autism." Alternative
  theories also include the unknown effects of childhood immunizations.

• 2

  Treatments are varied and it is the hope of all parents that one will
  be the breakthrough their child needs. One successful program is
  Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, which can be done in the
  home or in a school setting. It is an intensive one-on-one therapy to
  teach basic communication skills and how to follow directions and cues.
  The goal is for the child to be able to handle a typical school
  environment at some point in the future.

• 3

  Some families have the parent be the instructor or you can hire a
  qualified ABA therapist for in-home care, autism centers or to go as a
  "shadow teacher" with your child to school. Whatever program selected
  should have some standard curriculum as well as address the unique
  needs of the child. Some therapists incorporate music, proven to be
  quite effective. Key is finding rewards that fit the child.

• 4

  Finding funds for your program is the toughest thing to do. ABA
  programs can be costly anywhere from $15,000 - $80,000 and beyond a
  year. Funding for these programs are typically provided by the early
  start program (in California) but waiting lists can be extremely long
  so parents choose to pay out of pocket to get started as soon as
  possible.

• 5

  What can you expect from an ABA session? First of all, it's not
  playtime. Sessions can last for 1 to 4 hours and are strict with a
  reprimands and rewards system. Children get feedback within 3-5 seconds
  of their choices. It's big on pictures too. Photos of objects are used
  consistently to reinforce object recognition and proper cue responses.
  For example, the therapist will show a picture of a pickle and make a
  sour face and then a picture of a lolly-pop and rub her tummy and make
  a yummy sound. Then they ask the child "which one do I want?" The child
  grabs either the pickle or the lolly-pop card. If the correct response
  is achieved, a reward is given immediately, even if it's just a verbal
  "good job!" and a "No" is stated for the wrong response usually
  accompanied by a pushing of the hand away. It sounds harsh but it works
  and it must be repeated over and over again. It's reinforcing the
  correct social response to objects and emotions that must be taught.

• 6

  Parents must keep up the ABA system at all times throughout the day
  even when therapy is not in session. Immediate responses to incorrect
  behavior recognition is essential to overall success.