About the Programme
Whilst there are many therapies available to children with autism, only one has documented scientific research showing the significant gains and comprehensive improvements which are possible.
This section outlines:
Whilst there are many therapies available to children with autism, only one has documented scientific research showing the significant gains and comprehensive improvements which are possible.
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention draws on over 50 years of experience in the field of ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis).
The Programme has the following key characteristics:
The primary purpose of intensive behavioural intervention is to teach "children how to learn". The curriculum covers all areas of learning: language, play, academic, intellectual, self-help and social skills.
Behavioural techniques used to teach systematically; targeted skills are broken down into small, attainable steps and built upon.
The programme typically starts at home, until the child is able to interact socially with his or her peers.
Children are taught on a one-to-one basis.
Instruction is highly personalised and delivered by a team of tutors supervised and trained by experienced practitioners.
· Family participation is a vital component and parents are encouraged to become active members and/or managers of the team.
- The programme focuses on the use of positive reinforcement so that the child experiences success most of the time. A high priority goal is that learning should be fun for the child.
- Children work for approximately 40 hours a week and typically begin treatment during the pre-school years, although recent studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of intensive behavioural intervention for school-age children.
- Once the child has learnt sufficient skills, gradual integration into an educational setting takes place.
- Non-aversive intervention: Contemporary behavioural treatment for children with autistic spectrum disorder does not involve the use of aversive procedures. Functional analysis and reinforcement procedures have proved to be far more effective.
For more detailed information we suggest 'Behavioural Intervention For Young Children With Autism', A Manual for parents and Professionals, Edited by Catherine Maurice, Coedited by Gina Green and Stephen C. Luce (Pro-ed, 1996).
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