Resources
Applied Behavior Analysis is a method of teaching based on the premise that speech, academics and life skills can be taught using scientific principles.
ABA is based on the 20th-century work of B.F. Skinner. In 1938, Skinner published The Behavior of Organisms, which described the process of learning through the consequences of behavior. Later applications of his approach to education and socially significant behavior led to what we now call Applied Behavior Analysis.
ABA rewards, or reinforces, appropriate behaviors and responses because children are less likely to continue those behaviors that are not rewarded. Over time, reinforcement is reduced so that the child can learn without constant rewards.
Research shows that children with autism respond to ABA intervention (Lovaas, 1987; Sallows & Graupner, 2005). Skills are disassembled into their smallest components, so that the children learn to master simple skills, then build toward more complicated skills.
Skinner’s 1957 book, Verbal Behavior, focused on the functional analysis of verbal behavior, and led to significant research by Applied Behavior Analysts, including Dr. Jim Partington. This research can be found in the journal, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, and serves as the foundation for teaching Verbal Behavior as part of an ABA program.
Applied Verbal Behavior is ABA with a focus on Verbal Behavior, and the application of ABA in teaching verbal behavior.
Early Intervention
There is no known cure for autism, and thus no “treatment” in the traditional medical sense, but intervention can and does elicit substantial improvement. A child with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is delayed in their development of language and social interaction skills. Research indicates the need for, and the effectiveness of, early intensive behavioral intervention for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
About Autism
Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. There is a wide range of abilities and labels within this spectrum including Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
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Newly Diagnosed?
We realize that having a child being given a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a very stressful event for parents. It is very important that you realize that there is much you can do to help yourself and your child so that your child can develop the skills they need to participate to their fullest extent in the family, school and community.
Read MoreHelpful Links
Listed below are a variety of organizations that provide services and support for families and children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEdu.org
AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEdu.org was created to help the future and current generation of Behavior Analysts as they navigate the pathway of becoming the next modern heroes of positive behavioral change. The information on our website includes program options, state licensing requirements, laws and practice standards, career paths, and salary expectations that will help individuals at all stages of their career.
Association for Behavior Analysis International®
Since 1974, the ABAI has been the primary membership organization for those interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis. ABAIt is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education and practice.
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Since ASAT was established in 1998, their mission has been to educate parents, professionals, and consumers by disseminating accurate, scientifically-sound information about autism and its treatment and by combating inaccurate or unsubstantiated information. In doing so, they promote the use of effective, science-based treatments for all people with autism, regardless of age, severity of condition, income or place of residence.
Autism Concepts Inc.
Autism Concepts is a behavioral consulting company providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) and verbal behavior analysis (VBA) for children with autism spectrum disorders, language delays, challenging behaviors, and other developmental delays. We are experts in capturing a child’s motivation to enable him to have functional language, learn appropriate play skills, and socially engage with his peers.
Autism Recovery Network
Autism Recovery Network is the leading Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) service provider in Asia for children with autistic spectrum disorders. We have been providing quality treatment programs in Hong Kong and Singapore since 2005. We offer a range of ABA-VB (Applied Behavior Analysis using the Verbal Behavior approach) and Social Thinking® programs based on the behavioral analysis of language by B. F. Skinner.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board®
The BACB was established in 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. The BACB adheres to the national standards for boards that grant professional credentials. The BACB certification procedures and content undergo regular psychometric review and validation, pursuant to a job analysis survey of the profession and standards established by content experts in the field
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies is a nonprofit organization that harnesses the expertise of hundreds of behavioral scientists to solve problems in the home, school, community and the workplace. To achieve their mission, the Center has three goals: To create and deliver trustworthy information on high quality behavioral services and science around the world, to promote global collaboration among behavioral organizations, and to improve the future of behavioral science by educating and developing the next wave of behavioral scientists and practitioners.
California Association for Behavior Analysis
The mission of the California Association for Behavior Analysis is to promote the science and theory of behavior analysis through the support of research, education and practice. We sponsor the top regional conference on behavior analysis in the United States and regularly feature well known researchers and clinicians from throughout the United States. We are the primary clearinghouse for research and training in behavior analysis in the Western Region of the United States.
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
CHEO is a pediatric health and research center providing outstanding family-centered patient care, pioneering breakthrough research, and training the health care professionals of tomorrow. CHEO has developed a document which links The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths-Autism Spectrum Profile (CANS®-ASP), the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS®-R), and the Ontario Individual Education Plan. It can be found in both English and French.
Different Roads to Learning
Founded in 1995 by the mother of a child diagnosed with autism, Different Roads to Learning carries over 500 products carefully selected to support the Autism Community. They understand the unique needs of every child on the spectrum and strive to enable parents and professionals to help their children grow to their full potential. Different Roads to Learning also has a link for expert articles. Our favorites include articles written by Dr. Partington, Dr. Mueller and Lisa Squadere-Watson
Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta
The Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta (LUMSA) is a private Italian Catholic university, founded in 1939 as the Istituto Superiore di Magistero “Maria Ss. Assunta”. LUMSA is an accredited university which enjoys institutional autonomy in all academic, administrative and policy matters. It awards degrees and diplomas which are equivalent to those of public universities.
Maximum Potential
Maximum Potential offers Partner Products to help parents achieve success with their children and continue to learn the incredible lessons that life teaches. This cost-effective program will bring ABA into the homes and schools of thousands of autistic families who can apply this therapy using parents, siblings, teachers and caregivers.
National Autism Association
The mission of the NAA is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.
Stimulus Publications
Stimulus Publications is dedicated to providing parents, schools and behavior analysts with the highest quality autism, ABA, and educational learning materials available. Their goals are to make your life easier, simplify the work you do, provide you with the most efficient solutions for the needs of the children you serve, and to expand your knowledge and expertise.
Watch Me Learn
Watch Me Learn provides multi-sensory and video modeling teaching tools for children with developmental delays, language delays and/or autism. Their teaching is based on principles of ABA/VB and has been tested by classroom educators, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and parents.
Waymark Wealth Management
As advocates for the compassionate care and financial planning of families and their loved ones with special needs, Waymark Wealth Management is influential in helping clients discover unconventional ways to utilize their resources. Waymark Wealth Management integrates traditional wealth management with behavioral finance. There is a distinct difference between clients having the financial means to live the life they want and actually being able to. Behavioral finance helps clients through the values-based decision making process to help them reach their life goals.
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