ABA Observation

The PEAK Assessment tool and Relational Training System was published by Dr. Mark R. Dixon in February of 2014 after six years of empirical research. Dr. Dixon developed PEAK out of the realization that many Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) and others working with autistic children were making clinical decisions without having a clear concept of what to instruct and how to execute it. Dr. Dixon worked with over two hundred children over a six year period of time to produce a meaningful and concise assessment of skills. Modules 1-3, Imitation, Consistency and Attention, have been researched for validity and reliability, the fourth module, Cooperation, is in the process of being tested.

The term autism currently holds a meaning that is significantly different than when it was first adopted into our vocabulary in the 1960’s. The evolution of scientific discoveries within the field of autism research is remarkable and consistently improving. With the prevalence of autism continuing to reach sky rocketing numbers, the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the school system is extremely important. Every child has the right to obtain an education and finding new methods that provide this for children with ASD is vital. Creating programs and techniques that can be personalized to a child is the key to them receiving the most out of their education. Discrete trial teaching, pivotal response treatment and picture

As a graduate of the Child, Youth and Family degree program from the University of Guelph, I have my certification as an Early Childhood Educator. As a result, I have been thoroughly taught a deep understanding of child development and program planning. Additionally, I have also received a post-secondary diploma from George Brown College in Behavioural Science Technology which, provided me with knowledge regarding the scientifically proven techniques best suited to employ with children who have special needs and/or behavioural concerns. Specifically, ABA principles, use of behavioural assessment tools, the implementation of specified ABA programs, and frequently utilized data collection procedures utilized as an instructor therapist.

The Applied Behavioral Analysis model, or (ABA) as it is commonly referred to, has been in practice for many years, touching the lives of many people of all ages, backgrounds, and degrees of the Autism spectrum. As with anything, there is a considerable amount of misinformation projecting a negative view of ABA. These views have questioned the protocol, application, and necessity of the ABA. The following is some information and facts to hopefully make clear what ABA not only does, but what it stands for as a therapy that will continue to help those in need.

My Autism classroom practicum (DSW) provided many opportunities to learn and grow. My commitment, patience, and genuine concern, yielded trust and co-operation from students, resulting in student’s improved outcomes. As my confidence grew, my ability to implement behavioural interventions improved, and I was better able to assist students to work to their fullest potential. Dealing one day with a challenging student, the teacher requested I oversee the other students. I had now the confidence, flexibility, and knowledge to take over this independent role. My ability to be independent, as well as a team player, and other attributes I learned here will translate well to the ABA field where these are essential

RtI also helps implement behavioral interventions in the classroom through a similar process called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is based on a problem-solving model and aims to prevent inappropriate behavior through teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors (Sandomierski, Kincaid & Algozzine, 2007). Both RtI and PBIS are grounded in differentiated instruction; a type of instruction that is beneficial to all types of students with

Autism spectrum disorders are a set of similar disorders that each have their own challenges that educators must address. Although K-12 educators are not directly responsible for the types of interventions that individuals receive before they begin school, it is beneficial for educators to be aware of how those interventions work so they may incorporate useful elements in future teaching. Additionally, educators should have a stockpile of knowledge that they can draw from. This should include current research in the field because so much of education is research- and evidence-based. Therefore, it is the educator’s responsibility to ensure that they are aware of early intervention programs and are keeping up to date with the trends and best practices in the field.

Readers are taught how to use ABA to teach speech and language, social, motor, and adaptive skills through a system of repetition, reward, and goal adjustment. The author also discusses what families should consider before choosing any treatment method for their child with autism, and specifically what key elements an IBI program should have. The curriculum, professional roles, parent involvement, inclusion, and pros and cons of a home based versus center based program are all covered. Staff training….. Characteristics of characteristics of children with autism.

Since Skinner’s time there has been much research done and many new techniques made in ABA especially in regards of teaching people how to increase behaviors associated with learning and decreasing those that may inhibit learning. These new techniques have been used to help successfully treat or improve the lives of several people with various degrees and types of disabilities and learning disorders. These techniques have been adapted from being used exclusively on adults and modified for children. These techniques can be formally initiated, meaning that they are done in a classroom or a behavioral analysts’ office, or they can be taught to parents or caretakers and are often used to develop skills such as learning theory of mind, eye contact, social skills, and other necessary skills (Renna, 2004).

The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve marked deficits in social interaction as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors and language difficulties (Leblanc, Richardson, & Warnie, 2005). Although autism can have a profound impact on the capabilities and functioning of the individual, emerging research indicates that applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be an effective tool for addressing many of the deficits that children with ASD face (Boutot & Myles, 2016). In fact, emerging research indicates that when ABA is utilized for the treatment of young children with ASD many of the challenges faced by this group can be ameliorated (Boutot & Myles, 2016). With these issues in mind the current investigation considers the seven elements of ABA identified by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) in their seminal article on applied behavioral analysis and their application to individuals with ASD. Through a critical review of the seven elements of ABA in relation to ASD it will be possible to illustrate how this approach can be effective for improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism.

The study included 61 preschool children with autism who were randomized to one of two groups; one receiving intervention

PRT, however, follows the child’s interests, targeting motivation, response to multiple cues, and self-management (Atwood 37). The motivation strategies are also used in the Early Start Denver Model. ESDM is an early intervention approach incorporating ABA strategies as well as parental involvement and focuses on interpersonal exchange. This model is effective in improving IQ, language ability, and social interaction (“The Early Start Denver Model”).

Overall, I thought that the information provided in this article was informative and it helped me to understand more about ABA. It is shocking to me than many educators are not taught about ABA when it can be so useful to not only teach students with autism but also special education students in general. I am very glad that I have the opportunity to learn about using ABA in the classroom because it will be very beneficial to me in my future career because I want to teach students with learning behavior disorders and moderate-severe disabilities at the elementary

Autism Spectrum Disorder is not curable but it can be controlled using a certain type of treatments. There are various types of treatments used by parental, caregiver and clinical. The treatments can be separated into behavior and communication approaches, medication and complementary and alternative medicine. Applied behavioral analysis is a treatment approach that is used in many schools and treatment clinics (Foxx, 2008). There are different types of ABA and one of it is early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI). EIBI is the most effective treatment used for young children from birth to 3 years old as the services consist of treatments to assist the child to talk, walk and interact with others (Matson & Goldin, 2014). Discrete trials teaching (DTT) is one of the key teaching methods in EIBI. An efficient approach for teaching children with ASD has been shown by DTT and it plays an important role in language, social and academic skills. DTT has a sequence of discrete learning units that allows the skills to broken down into smaller units when teaching a new skill. DTT consist of three-term possibilities,

This study involved forty-five boys with autism spectrum disorder, ages four to eleven years old, and forty-five boys with typical development, ages 2-6 years old. On the basis of selection, boys with ASD were recruited on a national and local standard. On the contrary, participants with typical development were recruited