ABA therapy

CDG Centre offers high quality ABA therapy programs for children with autism, special needs and learning disabilities.

What is the meaning of ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a scientifically approved technique used to interpret behaviour and how it is induced by the surroundings. In this context, “behaviour” refers to actions and skills. “surroundings” includes any influence – physical or social – that might alter or be altered by one’s behaviour.

On a constructive level, the principles and methods of behaviour analysis have assisted various kinds of learners pick up many different skills – from healthier lifestyles to the mastery of a new language. Since the 1960s, behavioural analysts have been benefiting children with autism and related developmental disorders.

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis?

ABA stands for Applied Behavioural Analysis and is attributed to the process of studying and modifying behaviour (Morris, 2012). By understanding and identifying the function of a behaviour one may use ABA to modify a “not acceptable” behaviour and substitute it with a more acceptable one.

Applied Behavioural Analysis focuses on principles that encourage learning, such as positive reinforcement. This principle is based on the assumption that when a positive behaviour is rewarded, it is very likely this behaviour will be repeated. Decades of research helped to establish various techniques and learning practices which affect behaviour in the positive direction.

How Can People With Autism benefit From ABA Therapy?

Over the last 10 years, there has been an exceptionally dramatic increase in the use of ABA to assist persons with autism live contented and productive lives. Specifically, ABA principles and techniques help cultivate basic skills such as observing, concentrating and emulating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another person’s viewpoint.

Is ABA therapy supported by research?

A number of completed studies have established that ABA therapy method can harvest advancement in communication, social relationships, play, self care, school and employment. These studies involved age groups ranging from preschoolers to adults. Results for all age groups showed that ABA therapy increased participation in family and community activities.

Other studies have demonstrated that many children with autism experience compelling improvements in learning, reasoning, communication and adaptability when they participate in high-quality ABA therapy programs. Some preschoolers who participate in early intensive ABA for two or more years acquire sufficient skills to participate in regular classrooms with little or no additional support. Other children learn many important skills, but still need additional educational support to succeed in a classroom.

What Kind Of Results Can Be Expected With An ABA therapy?

ABA therapy program can assist learners with autism make significant changes in many areas. However, advances don’t typically happen quickly. Instead, most learners need intensive and continuing instruction that builds on their step-by-step progress. Furthermore, the progress rate – like the goals of intervention – differ noticeably from person to person depending on age, level of functioning, family goals and other factors.

Some learners do acquire skills rapidly but usually, this quick progress happens in just one or two particular skill areas such as reading, while much more instruction and practice is needed to master another skill area such as communicating with peers.

The first step towards designing a specialized curriculum is administering an assessment to determine your child’s specific areas of need. Once the students needs have been established, an IESP (individual education and service plan) will be designed. The goal of the IESP is to attempt to correct or remediate any skill gaps and deficits identified during the assessment phase and reduce challenging behaviours.

CDG offers flexible and affordable ABA therapy programs. Please contact us for a free consultation.