What is ABA therapy? I am going over the 4 ABA therapy myths to break down the definition and debunk misconceptions about ABA.
The Four Myths
1. ABA was created for children with autism
ABA is the science of changing socially important behaviors. It is a split-off of psychology and emerged in 1968. In the 1970s and 1980s, experimental research began in an attempt to deinstitutionalize children. It is now known typically as a treatment package for children with developmental disabilities. It was not until 2000 that a certification such as a BCBA was required to practice ABA.
2. ABA doesn’t always work
The science is always working, all behavior is occurring because it is being reinforced. We do a lot of things because they are internally reinforced or have a long history of being reinforced. If ABA is not working for a child, you might be working on the wrong skills, in the wrong order or the approach is not child-friendly or positive.
3. ABA is only for children with severe autism and needs to be done in a clinic, center, or special school.
The truth is going back to the science of ABA, it works for all of us. My son, Lucas, was in a typical school for all of his school life, except for 1.5 years. Half of Kindergarten and all of the 1st grade, he was bussed to an ABA school, but once I learned how to get ABA in public school we brought him back. ABA is not just limited to school settings, be sure to check out my blog on ABA at home versus school services.
4. ABA is expensive, and only professionals such as BCBAs with extensive education and experience can put an ABA program in place.
This used to be the case, back in 1999 when Lucas was diagnosed. Now there are laws requiring most insurances to cover ABA services. However, there are still many listeners who do not have access to quality ABA.
With my online courses and my new book Turn Autism Around, any highly motivated parent or professional can start or revise a program for toddlers with signs of autism or children with moderate to severe autism. The Turn Autism Around Approach is very child-friendly and full of positive reinforcement. It is designed to increase talking and decrease tantrums. The goal is to help children to be as safe, independent, and happy as possible. I hope that you were able to gain some knowledge from this episode and can find the tools you need for quality ABA.
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