20/09/2019
I used to think APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA- the gold standard, evidence based therapy for autism) helped my boys learn.
But the more I’ve seen the more I’ve realized- they actually could NOT learn without it.
There are 27 Evidence Based Interventions within ABA, and we use a majority of them every single day in most aspects of our life.
Like MODELING how to do something first, (even better to have a PEER model it for me!)
PROMPTING to assist, but fading those prompts systematically as to create independence.
REINFORCEMENT- some kind of “atta boy” to increase the likelihood that behavior will occur again.
SCHEDULES-Please let me know what to expect and what is expected from me. It decreases my anxiety, and helps me feel calm- like grown ups schedules do for you!
VISUAL SUPPORTS- Don’t just tell me, show me! How would you like to drive on a road with no street names or lines or signs?
DISCRETE TRIAL TRAINING-please break my learning down into small tasks so that one day I can do it on my own.
We know how to help them navigate home, school and the world because of these interventions. Not using them for my boys, when we know it helps them THRIVE would be like withholding medicine they need.
If you are a Behavior Analyst, you are one of the few that understands what I’m talking about and understands what a difference you make in our lives.
From the grateful momma of these two AMAZING boys, THANK YOU.
