Saturday, July 30, 2011

Applied Behavior Analysis Treats Numerous Autism Spectrum Disorders

When asked to describe a child with autism spectrum disorder, it can be difficult. There are a number of different conditions that fall within this line of diagnoses, and children can experience the disorders to remarkably varying degrees. The common thread between children with these disorders, however, is that there is a fundamental difference in the way that they interact and learn. For virtually all children with an autism spectrum disorder, a different method of teaching is important. ABA therapy is proven to offer great benefit to students who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Applied Behavior Analysis therapy works by encouraging behavior patterns and repetitive actions in order to teach basic tasks. These exercises also help teach the mind how to learn by developing new neural connections that allow children to literally learn how to learn. These new pathways help children learn to connect the various parts of a task or concept together so that they can understand how and why things work. This is an essential part of learning, but many teachers fail to understand that autistic children do not innately have this ability.

When a school system makes use of a DVD training course and supplemental tools and materials to teach educators how to employ ABA therapy, it can prove highly rewarding for students. A large percentage of children with an autism spectrum disorder can be taught how to function normally within a classroom setting. It is not that these children are incapable of learning or performing well, only that they need extra help in order to be able to do so. Through proper Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, these students can often be afforded all of the same opportunities for education as their peer group.

While typically called a treatment for autism, it is important to realize that ABA therapy is effective for treating the entire range of conditions listed on the autism spectrum disorder diagnostic chart as well as many other behavioral conditions. The result of ABA therapy will be different for every individual child, but studies show that skills learned through early ABA are carried with the child for the rest of their life. ABA is an excellent way of preparing children for a lifetime of learning and social interaction. Employing the technique in schools and ensuring that educators are equipped to handle children with autism spectrum disorder is certainly the best method of ensuring that these children are properly taught from the earliest age possible.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential Group.

Maximum Potential has developed courses that train parents and school systems how to work with children with autism.

http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garrett_Butch



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