HOW IS ABA USED TO TEACH CHILDREN WITH AUTISM?
The goal of ABA is to teach children with autism how to learn. Most of us learned basic language, play, and social skills through the conditions of the natural environment. These skills serve as a basis for learning more complex behaviors such as enthusiasm, interest, curiosity, and self-discipline. Children with autism typically require a very structured environment in order to learn these complex skills. Therapists who use the ABA method teach skills in small, measurable steps, so that the child is not overwhelmed. All ABA programs are individualized to fit each child’s needs. Eventually, the goal is for the child with autism to learn in the natural environment. There is a wide body of scientific research showing that ABA has been effectively used to teach a vast range of skills (e.g., functional communication, social interaction, self-help and play, just to mention a few) to individuals with Autism and other challenges. These skills have been taught in a wide variety of settings (e.
