WHAT IS ABA?
Behaviour Analysis is the science of behaviour. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions, based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviours to a meaningful degree.*
ABA and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
With respect to Autism Spectrum Disorder, intervention methods based on the principles of ABA are the only methods that have scientific evidence to support their efficacy.
During the past forty years, researchers have published hundreds of controlled, scientific studies demonstrating that treatment and education strategies based upon the principles of ABA have a profound impact on the development of individuals with autism.
IN A RECENT SURVEY*, NEW HAVEN PARENTS POSITIVELY REPORTED:
New Haven as reliable, high quality, and life changing
The quality of ABA-service at New Haven as very high
Services were important to their child's personal development
*Parent Survey Results 2019
How is ABA taught at New Haven?
A comprehensive, state-of-the-art, ABA program for individuals with autism means the following:
- All teaching objectives are observable and measurable to ensure that behaviour change is occurring; that is, that children are actually learning skills and displaying more socially appropriate behaviour.
- Skills and treatment objectives are broken down into small components or teaching steps to facilitate success.
- The impact of the environment—the way we teach—is continuously assessed to determine its influence on a child’s behaviour and acquisition of new skills.
While there is a basic framework outlining the treatment and/or teaching interactions, all facets of the programming are individualized to the needs and learning style of the particular child, youth, or young adult.
This includes the selection of target objectives, the way instructions are delivered, the rewards or methods of encouragement given, and the type of assistance or prompting provided to correct errors.
Generalization of skills to more natural settings, with relevant caregivers, is also an essential part of the program.
WHY ABA?
When an ABA program is implemented in an intensive manner with young children with autism (ex. 30-40 hrs/week of structured teaching), it is frequently referred to as Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI).**
Research suggests that a significant percentage of young children with autism who receive EIBI will successfully make the transition to regular school. Research also suggests that all individuals with autism, regardless of age, will benefit – will learn new skills such as more appropriate ways to communicate – from ABA-based treatment and education.
References
Applied Behavior Analysis International
https://www.abainternational.org/welcome.aspx
Ontario Association of Behaviour Analysis
http://www.ontaba.org/#&panel1-1
Autism Canada
https://autismcanada.org/#home-row-1
Autism Ontario
https://www.autismontario.com/
CASDA - Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance
https://www.casda.ca/
Autism Speaks Canada
https://www.autismspeaks.ca/
RESOURCE DISCLAIMER*
New Haven Learning Centre does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, New Haven provides both treatment and educational services that are individually determined for each participants as well as direct links to general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on this website is not a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. New Haven Learning Centre has not validated and is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with the provision of services related to autism or related subjects.