ABOUT AUTISM & APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

Autism is often diagnosed as young as 18 months of age, but a diagnosis can be provided throughout an individual’s lifetime.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder characterized by difficulties with, (1) social communication, (2) social interaction, and (3) repetitive or restricted interests or behaviors will typically also receive a severity rating from 1 (requiring support) to 3 (requiring very substantial support). Possible Early Indicators Your Child May Have Autism Including:

• Does not smile back or show other warm, joyful expressions to you by 6 months

• Does not respond to his or her name by turning towards you by 12 months

• Does not babble by 12 months

• Does not engage in back-and-forth gestures like pointing, waving, or showing you things by 12 months

• Does not say single words by 16 months

• Does not engage in pretend play like pretending to talk on the phone or putting a doll to bed by 18 months

• Does not say two-word phrases (not including imitating you) by 24 months

• Any loss of speech or social skills at any age

ABA is commonly practiced as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with autism.  ABA helps the individual improve social interactions, learn new skills, and maintain positive behaviors. ABA also helps transfer skills and behavior from one situation to another, controlling situations where negative behaviors arise and minimizing negative behaviors.

ABA takes a research approach to therapy based on proven theories of learning and behavior. Therapists understand how behaviors are learned and how they can be changed over time. For the greatest results, ABA requires heavy monitoring and continuous evaluation.