Applied Behavior Analysis

Autism is a neurologically based developmental disorder that makes learning very difficult. Many children with autism do not learn through imitation, do not acquire speech through exposure to language, do not independently eat a variety of healthy foods, do not learn from their brothers and sisters how to play with toys, and do not make friends or enjoy the company of their families. All of these skills must be carefully broken down into small steps and taught.

Autism is called a spectrum disorder because people with autism display a wide range of skill deficits. They are at the same time remarkably different and similar. Each child with autism has unique educational needs and challenges: educators must tailor their teaching to those specific needs. In our school program we know that each child with autism is capable of learning, and we use the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to teach both foundational and sophisticated skills, as well as to assess the effectiveness of our individualized instructional programs.

Research has shown that children with autism are capable of learning and developing functional behaviors. The science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides the means for effective teaching of individuals on the autism spectrum. There is a vast body of compelling scientific evidence to show that teaching procedures based on ABA are effective and have the potential to dramatically and permanently improve the lives of people with autism.