Autism

What Is Autism?

Autism is a mental health condition that is present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communication, forming relationships with other people and in using language, with abstract concepts, as well as restricted repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. Autism is about 4.5 times more likely to affect boys than girls, and is found in all racial, ethnic, and social groups.

Autism is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. The diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity. Each child or adult with autism is unique, so their treatment and supports plans are also unique to fit the needs of the individual as best as possible.

To view the full list of OCHN’s Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) providers and information sheet for families, click here.

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.

As mentioned, behavior analysts began working with young children with autism and related disorders in the 1960s. Early techniques often involved adults directing most of the instruction. Some allowed the child to take the lead. Since that time, a wide variety of ABA techniques have been developed for building useful skills in learners with autism – from toddlers through adulthood.

These techniques can be used in structured environments such as a classroom lesson, as well as in “everyday” situations like family dinnertime or the neighborhood playground. Some ABA therapy sessions involve one-on-one interaction between the behavior analyst and the participant. Group instruction can likewise prove useful.

Benefits of ABA

ABA is an intensive, behaviorally-based treatment that uses various techniques to bring about meaningful and positive changes in communication, social interaction, and repetitive/restrictive behaviors that are typical of Autism. Each child will have an individualized Intervention Plan that breaks down desired skills into manageable steps to be taught.

Each ABA Plan is designed for the individualized needs of the child and includes an average of five to twenty-five hours of direct interventions per week depending on medical necessity. These services are intensive and can be provided either in the home or in a clinic setting. ABA interventions involve parent/guardian training and participation.