Have you heard any discussion about ABA? What is it all about? How do we at Soar Autism Center approach ABA for our clients?
Skim through the following What Is ABA infographic and learn more about our approach at Soar Autism Center.
Skinner/Pavlov, classical and operant conditioning with animals
1950s
Behaviorism
Theoretical underpinnings; specific methods no longer used
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
1970s
Lovaas, focus on behavior reinforcement in highly structured settings
Clinically effective in studies
Potentially less translatable outside of training environment
Heavy-handed response to challenging behaviors potentially used
Rogers, Dawson, Koegels, others, focus on play-based, naturalistic models that merge behavior learning with developmental science
1990s-2000s+
Naturalistic developmental behavior interventions (NDBIs)
Play-based, following the child’s lead and motivation
High level of parent involvement
Clinically effective in studies
Focus on relationship building and developmentally-appropriate interventions
Sometimes too unstructured to make progress
Choices for parents today
Average Autism Clinic
Soar Autism Center
Highly structured ABA sessions using DTT used as first option for most kids
Naturalistic techniques (NDBIs) used from time to time as needed
Frontline staff with little/no training on naturalistic approaches
Naturalistic ABA methods (NDBIs) used as first option for all young learners
Deep training for frontline staff on naturalistic ABA methods (Early Start Denver Model)
DTT used if children are not progressing with naturalistic methods
Integrated Autism Care 