Since 1987, Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is considered the best evidence-based treatment for people on the autism spectrum. ABA is a program that uses positive reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative behaviors for children with ASD. It is based off of theories from behavioral psychology and it teaches children new skills, ("Autism Spectrum Disorder").
Ivar Lovaas, a psychologist, performed a study where children received behavioral therapies for 40 hours a week for two to six years. From this study, over 90% of the children saw positive changes in symptoms such as socialization and cognitive improvements. To this day, ABA is still the most successful form of treatment for people with autism, ("Autism Spectrum Disorder").
This past summer I had the opportunity to shadow an occupational therapist at a school for children with autism. The OT was working with children ages 5-6 and she, alongside behavioral specialists, teachers and other therapists, used ABA the entire time to enforce positive behavior and provide motivation for the children to learn. It was incredible to see the complexity of organization to ensure success, but also the simplicity in the concept of rewarding good behavior and discouraging bad behavior. Although the children would get frustrated sometimes or start having tantrums, the OT was always prepared and quick to react whenever a child responded unexpectedly. More times than not, the kids were motivated to stay on task because the rewards encouraged them to listen and perform tasks correctly.
Not only was it fascinating to see ABA put into practice, but it was encouraging to see a school facility specifically for children with autism. Each child received one-on-one attention and they had all the resources they needed to learn in a comfortable environment. The care and education they were getting goes miles beyond what a normal school can do for children on the spectrum. Each
Work Cited:
“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Feb. 2015, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html.
