Early Intervention: The Critical Role of ABA Therapy for Children with Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is known to be a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects three different areas of childhood development. This includes:
- Behavior
- Communication
- Interactions
Due to this impairment individuals or children can be socially isolated from their peers. The deficits that occur for those with ASD include:
- Social Skills
- Sensory processing
- Ability to carry out tasks
- Regulation of emotions or behavior
- Stereotypes & Rituals
According to the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (2019) 2% or 1 in 50 children are diagnosed with ASD with 53.7% diagnosed before the age of 5.Individuals with ASD present with varying symptoms and intensities of symptoms which are unique to every individual’s strengths and challenges. Some of the challenges that were seen as most prevalent (73.3%) included communicating, making friends, and accepting changes.
It is important for early school-age intervention for those with ASD, for reduced social impairment. One method for early intervention includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. It is a widely used intervention and science that works on a treatment program or multiple interventions based on the principles of motivation and learning. These programs are designed to integrate children with autism in school and provide programs dedicated to communicating, working on language, and developing interpersonal skills.
It is important to intervene early to help the socialization process and positive learning strategies. Research findings indicate that implementing interventions at an early stage can yield more favorable long-term outcomes in various aspects, including academic achievements, social skills, and overall quality of life. The earlier these interventions are initiated, the higher the likelihood of significantly improving these areas.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is ASD?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental difference that includes a spectrum of diagnosable neurodevelopmental disorders. This spectrum contains: pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), and Autism. ASD is marked by social as well as communicative impairments that occur and limit an individual’s interest and encourage repetition in behaviors.
Developmental Signs and Symptoms of Individuals with ASD
Birth to 12 months of age:
- Babbling is minimal or nonexistent
- Limited or absent eye contact
- Little interest in people but more interest in objects
- When spoken to directly, appears not to hear
- Unusual way of playing with toys or playing in a repetitive manner
- Repetition in movements with body parts such as fingers, hands, arms, or head
- Beginning to obtain language skills, but stopping or losing them
2 years of age:
- Specified areas of interest
- Minimal interest in other children
- Behaviors such as self-injury or self-isolation
- Repetition of random words or phrases without the appearance of understanding
- Hard time with social cues or interactions
- Having control or order of certain things in certain ways (eating the same food)
Signs of autism at differing ages:
- Minimal eye contact
- Reactions to different sensory items or things including:
- Lights
- Tastes
- Smells
- Sounds
- Colors
- Textures
- Specified interests
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia) without knowing what they mean
- Performing repetitive actions or behaviors, such as spinning
- Nonverbal communication or delayed language development
- When routines or surroundings change, there are intense reactions
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA is a one-to-one program designed with the needs of the child in mind. ABA therapy uses principles of behavior science (B.F Skinner’s operant conditioning) to help individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), improve specific behaviors and skills. Operant Conditioning was formed on the idea that behavior is learned and can be modified through various techniques. ABA has evolved in the past 60 years to help individuals with ASD with their levels of functioning, including cognitive abilities, communication skills, social interaction and behavior, problem-solving strategies, and activities of daily living. The goal of ABA therapy is to help children function as independently and successfully as possible.
Key principles of ABA
Reinforcement – Reinforcement in ABA therapy is a core concept in rewarding positive behavior for a more positive outcome. Positive reinforcement is when you are rewarded for positive behavior. Negative Reinforcement occurs when something is taken away because of negative behavior. In ABA, however, positive reinforcement is mainly used.
Behavior or Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): Involves identifying the antecedents (triggers) that precede a particular behavior, the behavior itself, and the consequences (reactions) that follow it (ABCs). This assessment aims to comprehend the function or purpose of the behavior, guiding the development of effective interventions. The goals for behavior modification in ABA therapy include increasing positive behaviors, decreasing undesired behaviors, and improving the individuals’ overall functioning.
Data-driven approach – As ABA is evidence-based, being a data-driven approach is important in enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of the treatment. Some approaches for data include Behavioral Graphs, Data Sheets, and Progress Monitoring tools. behavioral graphs use graphs to track changes in behavior over time. Data Sheets employ forms or digital tools to record observations and data systematically. Progress Monitoring Tools use software or apps that allow for real-time data collection and analysis, making it easier to track and adjust interventions.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Promoting early intervention for children is crucial, as it not only ensures a solid foundation for their development but also enhances their opportunities for reaching their fullest potential. The prompt initiation of assistance for a child significantly increases their capacity for learning and making progress. Recent guidelines emphasize the importance of implementing an integrated developmental and behavioral intervention as soon as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed or strongly suspected. Early Intervention is important as the brain is still developing and more malleable or “plastic” meaning it is easier to change.
The benefits of Early Intervention includes:
Optimized Developmental Progress: Early intervention empowers children to navigate developmental milestones with greater efficacy.
Expanded Learning Avenues: In a nurturing and organized setting, children have increased possibilities for knowledge acquisition and skill development, ensuring their holistic growth.
Early Intervention for Developmental and Behavioral Issues: Proactively addressing developmental and behavioral issues during childhood can potentially mitigate secondary complications, such as academic challenges or social difficulties.
How ABA Therapy Supports Children with Autism
There are many avenues through which ABA therapy supports parents and children. These areas include communication skills. social skills and social integration skills, academic skills, behavioral management, life skills, self-care skills, emotional regulation and so much more.
ABA techniques used in therapy include:
Discrete Trial Training: Communication and academic skills are often taught through discrete trial training (DTT), which breaks down skills into smaller components.
Natural environment teaching: To promote generalization and real-world application, skills must be taught in natural settings and everyday situations. This could include social skills and play skills.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): Enhancing a range of skills by targeting pivotal development areas, like motivation and response to multiple cues.
Functional Communication Training (FCT): Empowering Individuals with Alternative Communication Strategies. This is a great path to behavior modification.
Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Concerns about ABA therapy can be addressed by ensuring that practices are ethical, individualized, and focused on the individual’s well-being. ABA therapy can effectively address common concerns and criticisms by emphasizing positive reinforcement, involving the individual and his/her family, and monitoring progress continuously. People may say that ABA therapy is “too rigid,” however each child’s unique needs, strengths, and preferences guide the development of individualized plans. These plans undergo continuous monitoring and adjustment based on real-time data and feedback.
Overall Benefits of Early -Intervention of ABA Therapy
ABA therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. These benefits include:
Improved communication skills: ABA therapy can help individuals with ASD develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills, such as understanding and using language, making eye contact, and engaging in social interactions.
Enhanced social skills: ABA therapy can help individuals with ASD learn how to interact with others appropriately, build relationships, and participate in social activities.
Reduced problem behaviors: ABA therapy can help individuals with ASD reduce problem behaviors, such as self-injury, aggression, and tantrums.
Increased independence: ABA therapy can help individuals with ASD learn how to perform daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, and toileting, which can lead to increased independence.
Improved academic performance: ABA therapy can help individuals with ASD improve their academic performance by teaching them skills such as reading, writing, and math.
Greater quality of life: ABA therapy can help individuals with ASD live more fulfilling and productive lives by improving their communication, social skills, and behavior.
Overall, ABA therapy can provide individuals with ASD with the skills and support they need to reach their full potential and live happy, fulfilling lives. ABA therapy provides a well-structured and data-driven approach that focuses on improving various skills and behaviors. This evidenced approach helps individuals and children grow and develop skills in many areas of life. This approach has shown remarkable success in enhancing the quality of life for individuals undergoing therapy and their families.
At Insight Clinic we have many therapists that can help you manage Autism Symptoms as well as provide resources for Autism & ABA therapy. If you are a parent struggling with managing the behaviors of a child with autism, are anxious, or are struggling with finding options, The Insight Clinic can provide you with a therapist to cope with the anxieties and struggles. You can reach out today to book an appointment with our skilled and trained therapists to help you gain understanding and develop healthier coping strategies when you are feeling anxious, or developing these maladaptive thought patterns.