What Is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism) is a neurological disorder. Individuals diagnosed with Autism may present with the following:

• significant challenges in social communication;
• repetitive and restrictive behaviors;
• and rigid interests and activities.
  

Because these deficits often lead to frustration in navigating this social world we live in, diagnosed individuals may also exhibit:

• refusal to comply with instructions
  
• verbal aggression
• physical aggression
  
• self injurious behaviors
  
• tantrums
  
• elopement
  
• difficulty following directions
• difficulty completing simple and complex tasks
• difficulty with transitions
• strong adherance to routines
• loner or self-isolation
  
• difficulty getting started on simple/known tasks
• difficulty making and keeping friends
  

Though Autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, higher functioning individuals or individuals with a variety of other behaviors or disorders may not be identified until later in life.

If you are concerned, talk to your child's pediatrician!

What Is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a "systematic approach for influencing socially important behavior through the identification of reliably related environmental variables and the production of behavior change techniques that make use of those findings" (www.bacb.com).

Huh? What Does That Mean?

Basically, ABA is a proven approach to understanding the effects of the environment--what we have learned and been exposed to--on behavior.

• With this approach, we can understand both the causes and consequences of behavior that lead to persistent problem behavior and deficits in behaviors related to needed skills.
• Based on the analysis of this information, procedures and programs can be developed using validated techniques and procedures to change and/or improve behavior and functioning!
  

While we can't "cure" Autism, using ABA, we CAN work with those diagnosed to learn new behaviors and skills to be more successful in this multi-faceted, complex, social world!

Autism + ABA = 

Growth, Success, Advancement, Gains, etc. for individuals diagnosed with Autism!

All services are provided using techniques and methdology of Applied Behavior Analysis. Applied Behavior Analysis is a set of principles that form the basis for many behavioral treatments. Applied Behavior Analysis is based on the science of learning and behavior and is considered an evidence-based (i.e., passed scientific tests of its usefulness, quality, and effectiveness) “best” practice treatment for Autism by the US Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association.

According to reports by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Research Council, behavior and communication approaches that help children with ASD are those that provide structure, direction, and organization for the child in addition to family participation.(www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html).

A huge hallmark of ABA is just that!

We use ABA techniques and methdology to:

• assess behaviors,
• develop interventions to decrease problem behaviors, and
• develop programs to increase or train devleopmentally appropriate skills!