I was recently alarmed to hear stories of opportunists falsely claiming themselves to be ABA consultants/therapists. ABA or applied behaviour analysis, which I am sure you know by now, is the type of therapy that our children at Learning Ladders, including Raiyan, employs. At the same time, I am not all that surprised since with the rising rates of autism, and with ABA having gained a credible reputation to be scientifically proven to help children with autism progress, naturally there will be those reckless few who would outwardly declare that they are qualified to draw up and implement such ABA programmes when they are absolutely not in the position to do so.
Perhaps some elements of ABA are sometimes practised; such as rewarding and reinforcing good behaviour, making the child look at you when you talk to him and where possible vice versa and making use of puzzles and flash cards. But I urge all parents out there, please do not think that this is the extent of ABA. I can safely say that this is DEFINITELY not the extent of what Raiyan has been following for the past 6 months as it vastly surpasses all that I have mentioned. Not only is the programme VERY VERY systematic in the chronological order of things being taught, drills are also carefully structured so as to keep the interest of the child and massive amounts of data, in terms of skills that are introduced, mastered, generalised and maintained are accurately recorded at EVERY therapy session. The resources used also change ALL the time (Raiyan has not an item more than once since he started therapy). And, each session must last AT LEAST 2 hours at a time.
That's as far as I know to share my experience with ABA through undergoing Raiyan's programme. Please, please I encourage parents to read in more detail what is required of an ABA consultant and therapist from this Learning Ladders post. Best of luck!
4 comments:
Thank you for this info.I believe so much of us including myself.Tend to just believe people that work with special needs know what they are doing.I have never had to check on diplomas or education backgrounds.I am a bit gulable and with that those that worked in this field would know what they are doing.It is a bit scary to know that there are those out there doing wrong.It terrible.So thanks so much for the heads up :)
I agree with you so much! I found only 3 REAL ABA in home one on one programs where I live for my sons age, and I am shocked when I hear this or that therapist saying they "do ABA". So different than simply "doing ABA". Discete trial ABA and doing it the Lovaas way are always the way to go!
Hi Lisa Im glad you found the info helpful! It's so sickening to think of people taking advantage of vulnerable parents. Believe me I was there too! I just trust ppl too much! But now, its important for us to question more as it is up to us parents to put a stop to these careless persons!
Hi Drew/Lisa! Yeah I read how difficult it was for you to find an ABA in the beginning.. Im glad you've found one now! Yes the Lovaas way and DTT is the way to do it!
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