An early intervention program based upon the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the most effective treatment methodology for a young child with Autism or related disorders. This claim is supported by more scientific research than any other treatment option for children with ASDs, from the first study over 40 years ago, through the follow up studies replicating this work to the continuing research reported by the Association of Behaviour Analysis International and various other reputable sources.
ABA programs are individualised to meet the needs of each child and are appropriate for children across the autism spectrum- from those with only mild features of autism to those with many severe features. All areas of development are covered including speech and language, social skills, play and cognitive skills, motor and independent living skills.
In an ABA program the collection and analysis of data regarding progress is constant. ABA programs are individualised and respond to the particular developmental needs and behavioural deficits and excesses of each child. The collection and analysis of data guides programming and provides concrete measurement of the child's progress.
Lizard ABA programs are individually tailored to each child and therefore will vary in length. Some children acquire skills quickly and are able to then start school in a mainstream educational setting with their peers. Others however will move along more slowly and will continue to need intervention beyond school age. Once your program has been in full swing for six months, you should have seen many significant gains and will have a better idea of your child's rate of progress. At this point we will have a better indication of how long your child might need continued support.
Running an ABA program can be very consuming in terms of time, energy and finances. However, it must be remembered, the effect of not intervening will significantly increase as the child grows older. Once your child's behaviour and skills improve, it will be easier to maintain some balance in your family life. Our goal is that autism will NOT have the last say in a family's life.
Lizard has a well established reputation for speech pathology and as such your child's speech and language needs will be addressed within their ABA program. Incorporating speech pathology goals in an intensive program has been shown to be very effective. Lizard has a renowned Oral Motor Program which has been successful in achieving speech in previously non verbal children.
It is the job of the therapy team to always return to ABA first principles. Positive reinforcement! It is essential that therapy is fun for the child. Reinforcement must be continually assessed and renewed every session. Therapists are taught how to bring balance to the session by using a variety of activities.
A child does not sit and do table work for the entire session, it is interspersed with play, social interaction and motor activities away from the table. Children soon learn to enjoy and look forward to therapy session as it is often their first experience with success - learning to learn.
Lizard ABA programs are largely home based with children attending services at our Centre at least once a week.
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