What is Autism Spectrum Disorder & What is ABA?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibits characteristics of impaired social behaviour, communication and language, including a limited range of interest and activities that are unique to the individual and which may be repetitive (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2021). Due to the variability and symptom presentation, the ASD diagnosis will present and impact on families in different ways.
 
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the science and principles derived to understand, change and apply to behaviour. It is an approach used to teach socially significant behaviours.
 
Dr Ivar Lovass conducted the first study in 1987 at the University of California in Los Angeles on the use of ABA techniques with children diagnosed with autism. Virues-Ortega (2010) reported that long term, comprehensive ABA intervention leads to large effects in intellectual functioning, language development, acquisition of daily living skills and social functioning in children with autism.
 
Maurice, Green and Foxx (2001) describe the core features that an ABA intervention program should share:

1. Treatment may begin at an early age
2. Intervention is intensive (20-40) weekly hours
3. Intervention is individualised targeting a wide range of skills
4. Involves multiple behaviour analytic procedures
5. Treatment is delivered in a one-to-one format with a transition to group activities and natural contexts
6. Treatment goals are guided by normal developmental sequence
7. Parents are trained to become active co-therapist

Types of Intervention

The specific type of ABA intervention used may depend on your child’s age, areas of challenge, and other factors.

Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) is often recommended for children younger than five. It involves an intensive, individualised curriculum designed to teach communication, social interaction, and functional and adaptive skills.

Discrete Trial Training aims to teach skills through structured task completion and rewards.

​Natural Environment Training Strategy complements DTT training. It ensures the skills learned can be demonstrated in everyday situations such as play time or group activities.

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​References

    Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006X.55.1.3

   Maurice, C., Green, G., & Foxx, R. M. (2001). Making a difference : behavioral intervention for autism . Pro-Ed.
 
    Virués-Ortega, J. (2010). Applied behavior analytic intervention for autism in early childhood: Meta-analysis, meta-regression and dose–response meta-analysis of multiple outcomes. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(4), 387–399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.008 

​   World Health Organization. (2021, June 1). "Autism Spectrum Disorders." Retrieved from  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders