ABA Questions

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) - there have been many questions about what ABA it consists of; how long a session should last; how many sessions a day or week: and what time period should someone receive services for. After looking over the research, there is a lot of disagreement between what research recommends and most state agencies offer. They are not in agreement is most cases. Some state programs offer early intervention for 2 to 3 years, depending the child's progress, and most want to keep services at less than 25 to 30 hours per week. Also, there are a lot of states that want to "fade" services when kiddos turn 3 and to transition the child to the school system. The problem is that schools generally want to keep a child in the least restrictive environment, which can come into conflict with the child's actual needs.

ABA therapy has been used for autism since the 1960's. I've already written a history of ABA you can see the entry here: http://twinsmom08.livejournal.com/17439.html

In the time since it was put into practice there have been changes to create the most effective process. The research show that a minimum of 25 hours a week of ABA is best for young children each year. However, on average, young children who had 40 hours a week of ABA over the course of a minimum of 2 years, benefited the most.

http://appliedbehavioralstrategies.com/what-is-aba.html

The best ABA providers will observe the kiddo for their specific needs. Then design a program with known criteria and "fine tunes" it to work best for that child. Since each child is different, they need motivators which help them to work, also different styles and personalities when it comes to a behavior instructor. A good behavior instructor will learn how to motivate the kiddo and get the best response from them. They will require no less than 100% compliance to "master" something, and then do generalization to make sure the kiddo really has what they've learned.

An ABA session should last 1½ to 2 hours, sometimes longer, depending on what the kiddo can handle. Some kiddos on the spectrum need more than one session per day. Just remember to watch and learn what you can to help you kiddo to learn, keep up with the ABA procedures "after hours". You can break through if you keep with it, that's how you find what works best to teach any form of communication you kiddo needs.

From a mother's heart - regardless of which "end of the spectrum" you kiddo falls on, I truly believe that ABA will be a benefit. Fight for your little ones for any service that is beneficial for them. Never give up.