There are many different ABA methods. It can be overwhelming looking at all these different possibilities as a parent. When looking for ABA treatment for your child, you must sort through funding sources, waiting lists, and scheduling. You don't want to put more on your plate than necessary. You also don't want to have to become an expert in all the ins and outs of different methodologies in order to choose one and forget about the rest. Your time is more valuable than ever now that you are raising a child with autism! In this article, we will discuss some of the ABA methods and their common applications. While this collection cannot be complete simply due to the fact that there are so many different methods, we hope this provides you with a clear overview and enough information to guide your decision-making process.
Comprehensive
The BACB defines two main types of ABA program structures for the treatment of autism. These are the "integral" model and the "focused" model (see additional information here). The comprehensive model is more like a classic ABA treatment program in which services are provided for several hours a day, several days a week, weeks, months, or even years at a time. Because BCBA's recommended hours of supervision or observation and program management are based on a ratio or percentage approach compared to hours of direct therapy level services, comprehensive programs include several hours per week of supervision. There may be one or two supervision sessions of one to three hours each in a week. Direct therapy is provided by a direct therapist or "behavior technician" who is trained and administered by the BCBA, but will also provide therapy independently for a large portion of the program. Sessions can be held at intervals of three to four hours, once or twice a day, every day of the week. Comprehensive programs are provided in situations where the child with autism needs intensive intervention to successfully navigate their environment and learn. Thus, comprehensive programs also involve a great deal of parent and caregiver training to provide parents and caregivers with skills that they can use at other times when a therapist is not present.
In focus
The other ABA program structure defined by BACB is the targeted method. Focused therapy may be ideal in situations where autism symptoms are not a constant problem, but there are one or two areas that require specific intervention. Focused ABA doesn't take that long. Direct therapy time will be cut drastically, in half or even more, to around ten to fifteen hours per week. However, this must be adjustable and individualized based on the customer's needs. The supervision time also decreases proportionally to direct therapy. Supervision in a focused program focuses on areas of greatest need for parent training to improve outcomes at home, while providing rigorous supervision of direct therapy.
EIBI
EIBI stands for "Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention." (Learn more about EIBI here). EIBI is designed to advance skills and aid development during the most flexible time in a child's life. The goal is to establish a strong foundation that makes it easier to learn more complex skills in the future and opens the doors for long-term success. EIBI addresses skill development in the social, behavioral, adaptive, and communication domains, while providing a highly structured environment that minimizes challenging behaviors by design. The skills are taught in an individual therapeutic setting, but are also practiced in small groups with peers of the same age. Parent training is also a central component of the model. EIBI is conducted in a center-based model with intentional links to the home environment through parent training and home visits.
Parent training
Parent training provides parents with a practical understanding of ABA strategies that they can use with their child and uses the ABA methodology to teach and enhance specific program goals for parents and clients. Often, providers will set goals at the beginning of parent training in these two areas. The first meeting is an evaluation in itself, creating a plan for future meetings and intentionally setting communication preferences. Parent training can also occur in small groups. (Read more about parent training here).
House
ABA therapy at home directly addresses the most frequent needs
different priorities, since it is intended to increase the access and participation of the child within their academic learning environment. ABA in school can focus more on academic skills, as well as social, behavioral, adaptive, motor, and communication skills. Treatment goals are more likely to be specified as part of an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) than as a treatment plan. The school-based ABA could also involve a BCBA providing coaching and training to the classroom teaching team. (Read more about school-based ABA here.)
Community
Community-based ABA therapies often focuses on safety and social skills within the community. For example, an entire therapy session can be devoted to practicing commuting on the city bus between various destinations. Or, the student and the therapist can go to the local zoo or museum and practice appropriate social skills in these contexts. Community-based ABA uses the local environment to teach and promote new skills.
Additional sources and resources
Learn more about our ABA methodology here.
Focused and comprehensive ABAs are described here.
Learn more about EIBI here.
Learn more about ABA for teens.
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