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Name: dianna [ Original Post ] Hi, anybody's advice on this would be great. I have a 4 1/2 year old autistic son who says a few words, sensory issues but not alot of behaviorisms i.e, tantrums, rocking, walking on toes. Here's what I want to know. Can a child benefit froma ABA program (30-40 hrs) staring at around 4 and get good results or should he have started this program about 1 year or so ago to have achieved better results. Any advice maybe even from some therapists who do aba would be greatly appreciated. ↓

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Name: mondo | Date: Feb 19th, 2007 1:40 PM

It appears to be used at ALL ages, 4 yrs of age is not late at all! Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) employs methods based on scientific principles of behavior to build socially useful repertoires and reduce problematic ones (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 1989). How does ABA work? Applied Behavioral Analysis for autism is a teaching technique that involves breaking down a desired behavior into smaller teachable parts. Each desired skill is broken down in small measurable goals and is taught by providing a specific instruction, a prompt if needed, child engaging in the appropriate behavior, and a consequence for engaging in the behavior. The desired behavior is reinforced so as to increase the likelihood of the child engaging in that behavior in the future. Many skills are first introduced to the child in a structured environment and then are taught in a variety of settings to ensure generalization. ↑

Name: missheather | Date: Feb 20th, 2007 8:45 PM

Hi, I'm an ABA therapist. Right now I'm working with children between the ages of 3 and 9. I've seen huge progress at all these ages so, yes you will still get good results at 4. The ABA program I'm involved with does a lot of play programs also which I feel is beneficial for a well rounded program. Where do you live? ↑