Question:

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is perhaps the most popular approach in the treatment of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. This teaching strategy has roots deep in the Behaviorist approach to psychology. It also serves to break complex tasks down into their most fundamental elements. The child is introduced to a task on its most fundamental level. Once the child masters the first step he is introduced to the next. The process is called chaining . One skill is linked to the next until the child has mastered the task. For example, if a therapist is using ABA to teach the student to color, he would begin with picking up the crayon. If the student follows through correctly, he is immediately rewarded. Once he demonstrates that he consistently follows through the next step would be introduced. Applied Behavior Analysis relies heavily on rewarding desired behavior and redirecting negative behavior. Negative behavior is typically ignored unless it is a non-negotiable like hitting. This approach is the foundation for drills and activities used in the treatment for autism such as discrete trial.

Autism Frequently Asked Questions

What are common signs of autism?

Are there early signs of autism?

What is autism?

What is PDD?

What are the five pervasive developmental disorders?

What is discrete trial?

What is positive reinforcement?

What is negative reinforcement?

What is picture exchange communication system?

How is funding from foundations distributed?

What is the Autism Research Institute?

What is the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation?

What grants and programs are offered by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation?

What is the Autism Society of America Foundation?

What scholarships are available through ASA?

What is the Special Needs Trust for Autism

What is the Autism Scholarship Program?

How can sign language help in the community setting?

How are visual schedules used in community settings?

Can PECS be used effectively in the community setting?

How are social stories used to prepare for a community setting?

What is safety awareness?

How do families prepare for outings in the community setting.

What different educational settings are available for autisitc children?

What is IDEA?

What is an IEP?

What is the therapist's role in the classroom setting.

How does a therapist encourage the child to pay attention in class?

How can teachers help students make smooth transitions between activities?

How are social goals addressed in the school setting?

What are visual teaching strategies?

Are there basic tips for teachers who have autisitic students in their classrooms?

Are there books about autism in the classroom?

What problems are in the home environment?

What is Wraparound in the home?

How is communication addressed in the home environment?

What are some strategies to encourage compliant behavior at home?

How can families deal with negative behavior in the home?

What is non-negotiable behavior?

Why are self help skills a challenge in the home environment

What are sensory issues?

Why do some researchers think that autism may be genetic?

What chromosomes are thought to be linked to autistic disorder?

What is mid technology?

How is technology used in the treatment of autism?

What is video modeling?

What are the benefits of using technology in the treament of autism?

Are there drawbacks to using technology in the treatment of autism?

What is the focus of treatments for autism?

What is ABA?

What is the floortime treatment approach?

What is fluency?

What is RDI?

Should the same interventions be used in all cases of autism?

When did autism emerge on the scene of psychology?

What is the DSM-IV?

What are self stimulatory behaviors?

What are sensory systems?

How are sensory integration activities used?

What is the Son Rise Program?

What is the difference between a behavioral and analytical approach?

What is echolalia?

What is TV talk?

When is echolalia used as communication?

Is negative behavior ever a promising occurance?

How can choices help to increase compliant behavior?

How can negative behavior be addressed?

What is the Theory of Mind?

Are there new findings in autism research?

How can I manage a sibling relationship when one has autism?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Autism Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Tammi Reynolds
Buy My Book