About ABA

“Effective But Rare” – New York Times

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the only treatment that has decades of data to support its effectiveness in teaching children with autism.

ABA is the term used to describe the real world applications of the scientific study of human behavior to produce constructive learning and skill acquisition.
ABA uses the concept of positive reinforcement to teach skills to children with autism.

Skills are broken down into smaller components and taught one at a time until mastered. This provides a solid foundation for each skill set that increases its chances of becoming successfully integrated into the child’s repertoire.

Data is taken to track the child’s skill level and rate of acquisition. In this manner, more objective outcomes can be attained.

ABA can have a dramatic impact on the lives of individuals with autism. In some studies early intensive ABA therapy has enabled up to 40% of children diagnosed with autism can go on to attend regular education classroom* – an outcome that once would have been considered impossible.

Appropriate ABA services remain n critically short supply. Perhaps the New York Times said it best with their headline “Autism Treatment called effective but rare.”**

Learn more about ABA

*Fenske, E.C., Zalenski, S., Krantz, P..J., & McClannahan, L.E. (1985). Age at intervention and treatment outcome for autistic children in a comprehensive intervention program. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 5, 49-58; and O. I. Lovaas, et. al., (1987) Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children.
** New York Times, Oct 21, 2002