Parenting Tips; What is Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Can it Treat My Child With Autism?

Are you the parent of a young child with autism? Didthe program athome, and seek reimbursement from
you know thatthere is a behavioral treatment fortheir school district. Check out ABAcaselaw at
autism, called applied behavioralanalysis (ABA)? ThisWhile some states have passed autism specific
article will educate you about ABA, so that youcanprivate insurancemandates, only three states
advocate special education personnel for this effectivespecifically require payment for ABA.
therapy.These states are: South Carolina, Texas, and Indiana.
Applied behavioral analysis is a well documented andFlorida haspending legislation as of April 24, 2008.
effectiveteaching method for many children withIt is critical that the person that designs the program is
autism. This method involves 1on 1 instructional sessionsaprofessional in behavior analysis with a masters or
and utilizes educational tasks that havebeen developeddoctorate degree.
for autism.This person should also have experience in working
This method was designed by O.I. Lovaas. His study inwith children withautism. This person is also responsible
1987, infor supervising the teacherassistants, training and
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showedmeeting with them to go over your child'sprogress.
"90% of childrensubstantially improved when utilizingA wonderful book on ABA is "Behavior Intervention for
the Lovaas Model of ABA comparedto the control.Young Children
Close to half of the group attained a normal IQWith Autism" which is edited by Catherine Maurice and
andtested with in the normal range on adaptive andCo edited by
social skills."Gina Green and Stephen C. Luce.
Several follow up studies also showed majorThere are many organizations that have information
improvements in mostchildren with autism, that haveon Autism and
received ABA.Applied Behavioral Analysis. Some of these
For ABA to be most effective the child needs to startorganizations are: Defeat
as close to ageAutism Now, Cure Autism Now, and Autism Speaks.
3 as possible, or at least by age 5. The ABA programBy understanding what ABA is, how it can be used to
needs to be 1 onone for 30-40 hours per week. Thetreat childrenwith autism, the positive outcome for
child should continue receiving theintense ABAmost children receiving it, youwill be able to advocate
program, for at least 3-4 years. The cost is high,for your own child. It may be a fight withspecial
$30-50,000 per year. This is why many parents set upeducation personnel, but your child is worth it!