The neurodevelopmental condition known as autism is typically identified in the first three years of life.
Parents typically worry when their child exhibits delay in speech development, a limited ability to relate
to others, and a limited range of interests and activities. The child may avoid making eye contact and
display strange behaviors, such as fixating on particular features of objects (such as the toy car’s
spinning wheel). Unusual motor behaviors like hand flapping, self-stimulating, or walking on your toes
may be present.
Although the exact cause of autism is unknown, many different things are thought to play a role in its
etiology. Research is being done on a variety of genetic, environmental, metabolic, and neurological
conditions that affect the brain’s ability to function normally. Autism must have disturbances in all three
of these areas to be diagnosed.
According to Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991), applied behavior analysis is
the process of methodically using interventions based on the principles of learning theory to improve
socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree and to show that the interventions used are
accountable for the improvement in behavior.
These behavioral changes are made possible by dissecting behaviors into their component parts—
Discriminant Stimulus (Sd), Response (R), and Reinforcing Stimulus (Sr)—and by using motivation to
gradually change behaviors in a way that increases desirable behaviors while decreasing undesirable
ones. Reduce the prompts in good ABA so that the Sd’s and Sr’s gradually become more natural.
ABA, or Applied Behavioral Analysis, is a well-established therapy for Autism with over 50 years of
scientific research to support its effectiveness. It is the only therapy with consistently validated benefits
by independent research both in Singapore and globally. Many organizations have also endorsed ABA,
including the American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Family Physicians, American
Psychological Association, Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and more, such as the
United States Surgeon General, the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, the
National Institute of Mental Health, the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), and the
New York State Department of Health.
Absolutely! ABA, or Applied Behavioral Analysis, is a well-established scientific theory that was
developed prior to its application in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA therapy is widely
used to address a range of social and behavioral issues, including quitting smoking, personality
disorders, relationship counseling, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and many others. The use of ABA
principles for children with developmental delays did not emerge until the late 1960s and 1970s.
When it comes to treating autism, there are various approaches with differing philosophies. However,
when considering scientific data and evidence-based results, ABA therapy stands out as the best choice
for children with autism due to its extensive research and numerous studies.
Studies have shown that 30 to 40 hours of ABA therapy is ideal for children with Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD). This recommendation stems from research conducted in the 1980s that demonstrated
that 50% of children who received 40 hours of ABA therapy per week showed a significant improvement
and no longer exhibited symptoms of ASD, becoming comparable to typical children of the same age. It
is highly recommended that you invest 40 hours a week in ABA-Verbal Behavior (ABA-VB) therapy to
fully experience the positive impact and rapid progress that can be achieved through intensive ABA-VB.
The ABA therapy session is an energetic interaction between the client and therapist. It involves a
combination of tasks, including discrete trial work, positive reinforcement, and building rapport with the
client. Reinforcement can come in many forms, such as praise, hugs, playing, and food. The therapist
must work to maintain focus and avoid repetition and boredom. The session also includes time spent in
the natural environment to promote generalization of skills. Building a positive relationship with the
client is crucial, as the child won’t participate if they don’t like the therapist.
ABA therapy places emphasis on both understanding and expressing language by utilizing structured
programs to evaluate vocabulary and enhance abilities in identifying attributes and purposes. ABA goes
beyond speech therapy by incorporating language programs with play activities, educational programs,
physical abilities, and everyday tasks such as using the bathroom. ABA instruction covers all aspects of
verbal behavior as outlined by Skinner in his book “Verbal Behavior.” When these units of language are
systematically taught using principles of ABA, a child with autism benefits through an increase in
receptive and expressive language, including communication, or requesting.
ABA therapy helps improve social interaction skills by focusing on specific programs like turn-taking,
conversation, and other behaviors that typically developing children may learn naturally. By identifying
areas where a child with autism has weaknesses and using ABA techniques to build these skills, their
social abilities can be improved.
The specific focus of ABA therapy can vary depending on the individual child’s needs and goals. For some
children, improving social skills and daily living activities may have the biggest impact on their quality of
life. For others, a greater emphasis on academic skills through ABA may help further their interests and
lead to future career opportunities. For example, a child who has a passion for data, like Temple
Grandin, may benefit from a more targeted focus on these skills through ABA, ultimately leading to a
career in a related field.
It’s best to start intervention as soon as possible as research has shown that early intervention leads to
better outcomes. However, it’s never too late to begin, and ABA therapy can be effective for individuals
of all ages.
