Frequently asked questions about autism and ABA therapies
What is Autism?
Autism is a group of related developmental disorder. Individuals diagnosed with Autism show impairments in social interaction and communication as well as repetitive or restricted interest in activities. Autism is referred to as a spectrum of disorders as the severity of impairment in each of these areas differs from person to person. The severity of the disorder can range from severe impairments across all areas to very mild impairments. For example, an individual may fail to develop any spoken forms of communication or they may be able to speak, but struggle to initiate or engage in a conversation.
What are the early signs of Autism?
It is important for parents to understand what typical developmental growth looks like and the milestones that are expected as a child grows. If a child is not meeting the milestones outlined below, it may be indicative of an underlying issue. You should contact your pediatrician for a comprehensive evaluation.
- By 6 months a child should engage in big smiles and/or joyful expressions
- By 9 months a child should engage in back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles and other facial expressions
- By 12 months a child should engage in babbling and back and forth gestures including pointing, showing, reaching and/or waving
- By 16 months a child should have words
- By 24 months a child should be using 2 word phrases that do not require imitation or repetition
- Any loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age
Please visit www.firstsigns.org for more information
How is Autism diagnosed?
There is no current medical test for Autism. A diagnosis is based on clinical judgment, behavioral observations and/or educational and psychological testing. The most accepted standards for diagnosis come from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
A variety of assessment tools have been created to aide in the diagnosis process. A few of these assessments require competency-based training prior to implementation and they include:- Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
- Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
Others tools include, but are not limited to:
- Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT)
- Autism Screening Questionnaire
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
- Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (GARS)
- Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
- Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
- Australian Scale for Asperger Syndrome (ASAS)
Is there a cure for Autism?
Autism is diagnosed according to a specific set of criteria outlined in the DSM. Some children diagnosed with Autism at an early age that receive Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) may, over time, cease to meet the criteria of the DSM. The idea that a child can, at one time receive a diagnosis of Autism, and at a later date no longer meet the criteria necessary for diagnosis, has led many to use the term “cured.” However, the use of this term is somewhat misleading and is considered controversial.
What is Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI)?
EIBI is a highly structured intervention that is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It relies on scientifically supported procedures to target specific areas of deficit including communication and social interaction. Treatment is comprehensive in nature and individualized to the child. Recent research studies have compared EIBI to other treatments or no intervention and found EIBI to produce significant gains in many areas including intelligence, language, daily living skills, and social behavior (e.g., Remington et al., 2007; Eldevik et al., 2009; Sallows & Graupner, 2005; Howard et al., 2005).
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Behavior Analysis is the scientific study of behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions, based on Behavior Analysis, in an effort to improve socially significant behaviors (Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991). Socially significant behaviors are any behaviors that improve the quality of life for the individual receiving treatment. These include, but are not limited to reading, writing, mathematics, communication, gross and fine motor skills, and daily living skills.
The basic components of ABA include:
- Skills are broken down to the simplest components and taught in a specific order
- Skills are taught to fluent mastery, which includes consistency across people, materials and environments
- Reinforcement is used to build new skills and motivate the learner
- Individualized prompting procedures are used to maximize success and are systematically faded
- Data is collected and analyzed as the primary method for evaluating and documenting success
Who is qualified to provide ABA services?
Currently there is no agreed upon set of qualifications for individuals that provide ABA services. This is evident in the large variation of skill sets and training in the field. Obviously, when seeking out professionals to apply ABA, you want to find the most qualified, most well read, well-practiced people.
In 1998 The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) was created in an effort to help consumers differentiate between qualified and nonqualified professionals implementing ABA. It is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies in Washington, DC and is endorsed by the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, The Association for Behavior Analysis International, Division 25 of the American Psychological Association and the European Association for Behavior Analysis. Note that there are no endorsements in Australia as there are currently no national associations for Behavior Analysis.
It is most desirable to have a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supervise the training and implementation of ABA programs. In general, BCBAs require- Masters or Ph.D. that was conferred in behavior analysis or other natural science, education, human services, engineering, medicine or a field related to behavior analysis and approved by the BACB.
- 225 hours of graduate course work specific to behavior analysis
- 1500 hours of supervised experience applying ABA.
Following completion of the basic requirements, an individual must pass an exam prior to receiving certification. In addition, BCBAs must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 3 years to maintain certification.
Copyright 1998-2007 Richard Saffran, reproduced with permission.
