What is ABA and how does it relate to intervention for Autism and related disorders?

ABA is the science of creating behavioral changes in human beings.  This means either increasing behaviors we want more of (e.g. using words to communicate) or reducing negative behaviors (e.g. displaying aggression when asked to perform a complicated task).  By controlling the child’s access to both reward and punishment we create these behavioral changes within the child.  It is used in many fields including treatment for ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders), feeding/behavior issues, and communication/language/speech disorders.  When an ABA program is put into place which:

1)      Capitalizes on the child’s interests

2)      Targets appropriate developmental milestones

3)      Treats the child as a partner/equal

Great results can be achieved and allow these children to live healthy/functional lives. 

More information/resources can be found here.