What is the best way to give ABA therapy to children with Autism?

Question

I am a new graduate and I am familiar with ABA therapy, but I would like to know how and what parent's think of it and what works! I am employed now in the behavioral science field and I will begin working with children with Autism soon. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

there is no 1 best way as the spectrumis so wide.

some children need a strong focus on individual skills taught through discrete trial

some need minimal discrete trial and more natural environment teaching/incidental learning..

most students start with a 1:1 ratio teacher:student, but graduate to more independent levels.....

I like to build in prompting and use errorless teaching....

itis very important to generalize skills in a natural setting..

some need strict seat work--some can be more flexible

Answer 2

Work first on developing a good rapport with the child, knowing their likes and dislikes. The child comes willingly to the chair when they are happy to see you.

Avoid repetitive verbal praise, like 'good boy' over and over, print out a list of other verbal reinforcers as it's an easy mistake to make some days.

Moving often from the chair, outside, to other rooms and settings helps to generalise.

Use break times to build relationship with the child, generalise skills, provide constructive play and help social skills, not just do paperwork.

Bring lots of reinforcers like bubbles, hand puppets for tickles etc etc. One of our best therapists sometimes brings her puppy or another pet. She has a great relationship with the children.