In our previous article, we discussed the two types of Behavioral Management for children with special needs. In this article, we will focus on the ABA technique as it is the commonly used method in managing children with special needs. First, we need to know what the ABA process is.
The ABA program must be customized to each learner’s skills, needs, interests, preferences, and family situation.
The therapist will start by doing a detailed assessment of each person’s skills and preferences. They will use this to write specific treatment goals.
Treatment goals are written based on the age and ability level of the person with ASD. Goals can include many different skill areas, such as:
- Communication and language
- Social skills
- Self-care (such as showering and toileting)
- Play and leisure
- Motor skills
- Learning and academic skills.
The instruction plan breaks down each of these skills into small, concrete steps.
The therapist teaches each step one by one, from simple (e.g. imitating single sounds) to more complex (e.g. carrying on a conversation).
Therapists measure progress by collecting data in each therapy session.
Data helps them to monitor the person’s progress toward goals on an ongoing basis. The behavior analyst regularly meets with family members and program staff to review information about progress. They can then plan and adjust teaching plans and goals as needed.