Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) Therapy, created in the US by Dr Ivar Lovaas, founder of the Lovaas Institute is one of the few therapies for treating autism spectrum disorders to have been subjected to rigorous scientific investigation around the world. Its positive results have been published in world-recognised journals of psychology, psychiatry and medicine.

ABA Therapy involves a home-based program of intensive early intervention, and incorporating large amounts of play, tailored specifically to each child's individual needs.

 A typical session involves a trained therapist teaching a child specific skills such as identifying colours, learning to hold a spoon, sounds and words, or simply learning to play. The skill or task is broken down into its most simple form and taught in a way appropriate for that child. Each one of the sessions is documented and results recorded so that problem areas may be accurately identified and targeted.

ABA relies on repetition, success and positive reinforcement. Children are never punished for failing to master a task, but every achievement is rewarded with enthusiastic encouragement.

For more information regarding how the ABA program is applied to the family environment, please refer to the ABIA site.

Research has demonstrated that 30-40 hours a week of intensive ABA therapy resulted in 47% of young children with ASD being indistinguishable from their peers