This treatment program uses general principles of behavioral therapy to build the skills that children with autism lack, such as language, play, self-help, social, academic and attentional skills. The Lovaas Model of Applied Behavior Analysis is unique in that it has undergone rigorous, peer-reviewed research, including both long-term and follow-up studies, proving its effectiveness as an intervention in treating children with autism.
First Developed:
Early 1970s at UCLA. Research began in the early 1960s and it was identified as the treatment of choice for autistic behavior in 1981.
Overall Philosophy:
ABA and other behavioral approaches are based on the theory that all behavior is learned and that it is governed by antecedents and consequences. The foundations of this are that learning can be reduced to the repetition of responses, which increase with reward. In this way a task to be learned can be analyzed into small steps that are then used as a teaching program for the child. Each step can be shaped through positive reinforcement.
Popularity:
ABA is one of the most frequently used, if not the most frequently used treatment for autism.
Time required for treatment:
ABA is an intensive intervention, which takes place up to 40 hours a week for approximately two years. Treatment typically begins at 10-15 hours per week and can gradually increase to 35-40 hours per week by the age of 3.
Treatment cost:
Given the intensive, one-on-one nature and length of this program, treatment is costly. Actual costs will vary, however, depending upon whether the person directing the treatment is a trained college student doing it as part of their collegiate educational training or is instead a full-time ABA professional.
Who directs the treatment?
In order for ABA to work, it has to be delivered by all the significant persons who work with the child. There is a hierarchy of deliverers, including a consultant, a supervisor, and a number of tutors, parents, and peers.
Where does the treatment take place?
Often at home during the preschool years; later techniques are used in school and other environments.
Training material needed:
None, per se. However, ABA requires the extensive, one-on-one attention of the facilitator.
How success is defined:
ABA uses clear objectives (that vary by treated child) that are measured in terms of observable and definable behaviors, specific techniques for achieving these objectives, and ongoing collection of data to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
Biggest Success Story:
The parents of young children with autism have reported significant improvements in their child’s ability to access the world after following the ABA approach. ABA is the most studied psychosocial intervention and is available at many locations in the United States and around the world. ABA has shown to be the most effective treatment for autistic neurobehavioral disorder.
Website:
http://www.lovass.com/
Main concern:
Behavioral approaches have been criticized for their inappropriate and narrow focus; it is believed by some that children are taught to become robotic and do not generalize their skills outside of the ABA environment.