FAQ
Questions / Answers
Frequently Asked Questions about Autism
What is Autism?
Autism – also referred to as autism spectrum disorder ̶ constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. It is a neurodevelopmental condition which is usually diagnosed in the first 3 years of life.
What are the signs of Autism?
Delays in speech development, limited social relatedness, restricted interests and activities. The child may avoid direct eye contact and exhibit odd behaviors such as focusing on parts of objects. There may be unusual motor movements such as hand flapping, self stimulation or walking on toes. There is lack of interest in peer relationships, lack of spontaneous or make-believe play.
What causes Autism?
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental and genetic factors.
How is autism diagnosed? Is there a test for it?
There is no blood test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. A diagnosis is made based on behaviors.
Are there treatments available for Autism?
There are no specific treatments to “cure” autism. Each child with an autism spectrum disorder has a unique set of developmental delays, speech deficits, social and cognitive impairments. Therefore, individualised treatment plans need to be developed to target each child’s impairments.
Are there medication treatments for autism?
There are no medication treatments that treat the core symptoms of autism. In cases when a child may be hitting himself repetitively, has mood instability or is aggressive to other children or family members, medication intervention may be warranted.
What is the best treatment for individuals with ASD?
Research suggests that early intensive behavioral intervention, based on applied behavioral analysis (ABA), is effective at improving language, function and behavior in individuals with autism.
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Questions / Answers
Frequently Asked Questions about ABA
What is ABA therapy?
ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis, also known as ABA, is a treatment based on the science of behavior and learning. It is an evidence-based scientific intervention that aims to help people improve their lives by focusing on treatment goals important to their quality of life.
Is ABA new?
Research on ABA therapy as a form of autism care began in the 1960s, and since 1981 ABA has been identified as the most effective treatment for autism.
At what age should we start ABA therapy?
Research has focused primarily on young children (aged 2-4 years), but it’s never too late to start. There is clear evidence that the strategies of ABA can help individuals of all ages.
My Child Does Not Speak. Will ABA Therapy Work for Them?
Children develop different ways to communicate during ABA treatment involving pictures, physical gestures, and technology. ABA therapy is effective for varying levels of autism, including non-verbal children. We measure and teach vocabulary through play programs and ABA principles. Children with autism increase their reception to language and communication with others through repetition and encouraging expression.
How does ABA therapy work?
ABA therapy teaches children language by breaking down complex tasks into small and discrete instructional steps. These small steps build on each other toward mastering a complex goal such as functional communication. ABA therapists use praise or favorite items to build on the child’s progress as they master these small steps.
Who can impart ABA therapy?
ABA therapy programs are designed by Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and conducted by our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Both are governed and licensed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
What does BCBA do?
A BCBA oversees the treatment program. They conduct assessments and use the results to create a custom therapy plan. They also assess results from sessions and modify treatment plans to meet the child’s needs. BCBAs study behavioral psychology and have a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. They also have spent 1500 hours as a therapist under qualified supervision. The certification exam is no cakewalk and has only a 50% pass rate.
What does RBT do?
An RBT works directly with the client on therapy. These ABA therapists put in place the behavior plans developed by the BCBA.
Questions / Answers
More Questions about ABA
How is an ABA treatment plan determined?
As soon as the child is diagnosed with autism it’s time for an initial ABA assessment.The board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) meets with the child’s parents and engages with the child (usually through play) and evaluates how they respond to certain instructions, demands, and environmental changes. After the assessment is complete, they review their findings with the family and provide a recommendation for ABA therapy, including the recommended number of service hours per week.
Do you work on toilet training?
Yes! We use a wide variety of approaches, tailored according to the needs of the child/individual.
What is Social Skills Training?
It is designed to increase behavioral development. It involves teaching the child age-appropriate social skills like problem-solving, relating to their peers, communicating with others, self-discipline, and more. Social skills training helps the children develop friendships and social skills necessary for feeling included in classrooms and communities.
Does ABA therapy include speech therapy or occupational therapy?
Behavior analysis is separate from occupational therapy and speech therapy, but these therapies are complementary. ABA focuses on predicting and influencing behaviors, whereas speech therapy is primarily centered around building effective communication and language (which is not always vocal), and occupational therapy uses play to teach kids the foundational skills they need to occupy their time as they grow.
What are challenges with ABA therapy?
Finding a trained and qualified specialist may be a challenge. Most public schools do not offer ABA therapy for children.
Does ABA therapy replace school?
ABA therapy is not meant to replace school, as it is not centered around academics, but it is beneficial in preparing children with autism for school. When taking part in early intensive behavioral interventions like ABA therapy, toddlers, preschool-age children and even those a little older can work on the essential skills they need to enter the classroom.
How do I know my child is benefitting from ABA therapy?
We have intensive data collection method that can provide updates on each treatment goals.We provide progress updates every three months.
Can parents be involved in ABA therapy?
At Lubdhak we offer personalized parent training sessions, which cover everything from autism education and goal setting, to providing observation opportunities and hands-on strategies and tools parents can use on their own time to help generalize skills in and around the home.