Making decisions about the services your child is receiving can be overwhelming at times. If you are considering choosing an in-home ABA service provider, here are some of the benefits you can look forward to experiencing!
Individualization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
World Autism Awareness Day
As today marks World Autism Awareness Day, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asserted the promise of the United Nations to "leave no one behind" in its commitment to full inclusion for individuals with autism. This year's observance at the UN Headquarters particularly highlights the importance of assistive technology for people with autism as a way to remove any barriers to full social, economic, and political participation in society and community.
Is ABA effective for adults?
Although Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is well-known for its effectiveness for children with autism, we know that interventions based in ABA can be helpful for individuals of all ages, with or without autism. Although intervention looks different in young children versus older children and adults, the principles used remain the same.
Navigating medical appointments: A prevention strategy
As behavior analysts, one of the first things we do when looking at challenging behavior is look to any medical causes and contributions for challenging behavior before intervening. We recommend our clients go to an appropriate medical professional for this. A lot of times, though, getting to and through a medical appointment can be a significant challenge for some children and adults.
1 in 59
In 2018 the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) released its update on the prevalence of autism in children nationally. Its new estimate: 1 in 59 children, with a startling 15% increase since its last estimate of 1 in 68 children two years prior. As we see an increase in rates of autism documented nationally, we need to ensure that we are providing appropriate individualized services and supports for those affected by autism.
Self-Management: An Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Self-management is a strategy to increase independence and teach new skills and behaviors through monitoring, recording, and rewarding one’s own behavior. With self-management, the individual monitors his own behavior, rather than someone else doing it. Self-management can be used to address questions, such as:
When Challenging Behavior is Communication
Whether it is screaming when a favorite toy is taken away, or dropping to the floor when told “no,” challenging behavior often is about communication.
How do we define challenging behavior so we know when to get extra help? Challenging behavior is repeated behavior that interferes with learning, activities, or social interaction with others. It can have negative long and short-term effects on children, including on learning, social skills, and academic and occupational success.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
When faced with challenging behaviors, a gut response sometimes is reprimanding, harsh or loud language, or other negative consequences. While this may seem effective in stopping challenging behavior in the short-term, research has shown that punishment consequence-based strategies often are ineffective in changing behavior in the long-term. What is recommended instead of punishment? Positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors!
