August 2016 Autism Facts

Provided by Full Spectrum ABA © 2016

ABA Therapy Fact #1What is ABA Therapy? ABA Therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. In this context, “behavior" refers to actions and skills. "Environment" includes any influence – physical or social – that might change or be changed by one's behavior.

ABA Therapy Fact #2Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, uses the scientific principles of learning and motivation to teach, focusing on the idea that the consequences of what we do affect what we learn and will do in the future.

ABA Therapy Fact #3Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. ABA is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.

ABA Therapy Fact #4Behavior analysts began working with children with autism in the 1960s. Early techniques often involved adults directing most of the instruction. Since that time, a wide variety of ABA techniques have been developed for building useful skills in learners with autism – from toddlers through adulthood.

ABA Therapy Fact #5ABA techniques can be used in structured situations such as a classroom lesson or in "everyday" situations such as family dinnertime or the neighborhood playground. While some ABA sessions consist of one-on-one interaction, group instruction can also be useful.

ABA Therapy Fact #6ABA is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for autism and has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General and the New York State Department of Health.

ABA Therapy Fact #7ABA programs are comprehensive programs – meaning that an ABA program will address all aspects of a child’s life. These areas include behavioral needs in addition to social skills, language/communication skills, cognitive skills, self-help/daily living skills, play skills and motor skills.

ABA Therapy Fact #8A common myth about ABA is that it doesn't help older children with autism. ABA has been shown to yield significant skill gains with older children, as well as toddlers. However, children who begin ABA at younger ages often see better outcomes and can reduce the likelihood of more severe behaviors later in life.

ABA Therapy Fact #9There are two different levels of certification to provide ABA services. BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) must have their Masters Degree. BCaBAs (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts) are required to earn at least a Bachelors Degree and be supervised and work with a BCBA.

ABA Therapy Fact #10When done correctly, ABA will maximize a child’s ability to express their own personality and preferences by teaching them the skills they need to communicate, play, and otherwise enjoy life…by teaching them how to LEARN.

See more Autism Facts at Full Spectrum website; www.FullSpectrumABA.com

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Provided by Full Spectrum ABA © 2016