Parenting Solutions

Are you the parent of a young child with autism? Did you know that there is a behavioral treatment for autism, called applied behavioral analysis (ABA)? This article will educate you about ABA, so that you can advocate special education personnel for this effective therapy.

Applied behavioral analysis is a well documented and effective teaching method for many children with autism. This method involves 1 on 1 instructional sessions and utilizes educational tasks that have been developed for autism.

This method was designed by O.I. Lovaas. His study in 1987, in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showed “90% of children substantially improved when utilizing the Lovaas Model of ABA compared to the control. Close to half of the group attained a normal IQ and tested with in the normal range on adaptive and social skills. “Several follow up studies also showed major improvements in mostchildren with autism, that have received ABA.

For ABA to be most effective the child needs to start as close to age 3 as possible, or at least by age 5. The ABA program needs to be 1 on one for 30-40 hours per week. The child should continue receiving the intense ABA program, for at least 3-4 years. The cost is high, $30-50,000 per year.

This is why many parents set up the program at home, and seek reimbursement from their school district. Check out ABA caselaw at http://www.wrightslaw.comWhile some states have passed autism specific private insurance mandates, only three states specifically require payment for ABA. These states are: South Carolina, Texas, and Indiana. Florida has pending legislation as of April 24, 2008.

It is critical that the person that designs the program is a professional in behavior analysis with a masters or doctorate degree. This person should also have experience in working with children with autism. This person is also responsible for supervising the teacher assistants, training and meeting with them to go over your child’s progress.

A wonderful book on ABA is “Behavior Intervention for Young Children With Autism” which is edited by Catherine Maurice and Co edited by Gina Green and Stephen C. Luce.There are many organizations that have information on Autism and Applied Behavioral Analysis.

Some of these organizations are: Defeat Autism Now, Cure Autism Now, and Autism Speaks. By understanding what ABA is, how it can be used to treat children with autism, the positive outcome for most children receiving it, you will be able to advocate for your own child. It may be a fight with special education personnel, but your child is worth it!

JoAnn Collins is the mother of two adults with disabilities, and has helped families navigate the special eduation system, as an advocate, for over 15 years. More articles go to: http://www.disabilitydeception.com