Applied behaviour analysis (ABA)

ABA is a widely recognized, evidence-based treatment approach for autism spectrum disorders. ABA is modeled after the discrete-trial teaching method pioneered by O. Ivar Lovaas, PhD.  Treatment involves a careful assessment of the child to determine skill deficits and behavioral excesses. The goal of intervention is to increase positive behaviours while simultaneously reducing maladaptive behaviors that may impair or interfere with the child’s daily functioning. Each child will have a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan developed to meet his or her needs and the child’s progress is closely monitored and evaluated through direct observation and data collection.

ABA can teach fundamental skills such as imitating others, following instructions, playing with toys, and communicating, as well as complex tasks such as social skills, maintaining conversations and reading. Complex tasks (e.g. washing hands) are broken down into smaller teachable units (e.g. Turn on water, wet hands, get soap, rub hands together, etc.). ABA treatment is particularly useful in teaching these skills to children with autism spectrum disorders, as children with ASD typically do not learn these behaviours from the natural environment like neurotypical children. With over 50 years of research and numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, ABA has been deemed the most effective intervention for children with ASD.

We will develop an individualized treatment plan that will target areas of need for your child while maximizing their strengths through the use of ABA techniques. For this reason, an ABA program for one child will look different when compared to another child. Treatment plans are designed to develop the child’s skills in the following areas:

  • Behavioral functioning
  • Communication
  • Language
  • Academics
  • Self-Care
  • Toy Play
  • Socialization

The ABA approach provides the child with immediate feedback about his or her performance and allows the behavioral aide to provide assistance (i.e., prompting) to help the child achieve mastery. The child’s behaviour is “shaped” by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired response until the child is able to complete the task independently or with minimal assistance. Reinforcers may include playing with a favourite toy or game, reading a favourite book, earning a small treat or social rewards such as tickles or hugs. These reinforcers serve the purpose of increasing positive behaviours over time. The occurrence of maladaptive and inappropriate behaviours are reduced by teaching self-regulation techniques and more socially acceptable behaviours.

Treatment occurs in a one-to-one setting in the child’s home. As a child progresses, therapy will take place in other environments to encourage generalization of mastered skills. During treatment, the child will practice a given task for approximately 2-5 minutes then be given a short break (2-3 minutes). Longer breaks are scheduled mid-session (15-20 minutes). The average length of a session is 2-3 hours, but timing may be adjusted based on the child’s needs.

Coordination of Programming through Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)

Kids ETC coordinates programming for clients who are receiving specialized services or behavioural aide supports through FSCD.  Coordination of services includes comprehensive programming for the child, the development of an Individual Service Plan, coordination of services with multidisciplinary team members, monitoring the child’s progress with treatment goals, scheduling team meetings, and providing behavioural aides to implement 1:1 therapy in the child’s home environment. 

Parent Training

Parents are an important part of treatment and are involved in all aspects of the child’s intervention. Parents are taught to utilize behavioural principles and to teach their child in a manner that is consistent with the approach utilized by the treatment team. Kids ETC will teach parents how to implement structured and unstructured programming with their child, generalize their child’s skills to the natural environment and manage disruptive behaviours.

Social Skills Training

Social skills training (SST) is a form of behavioral therapy that is used to improve social skills. Social skills are extensive and not only include the ability to communicate with others, but also conversational skills, problem solving skills and perspective taking. Children with learning disorders, attention problems and autism spectrum disorders often do not naturally learn social skills from their environment. Kids ETC can assist in implementing teaching social skills and provide the necessary support and guidance to parents, teachers and other professionals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment that combines both ‘cognitive therapy’ and ‘behavioral therapy’.  CBT examines the relationship between an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Clients learn to identify negative thoughts and behaviour patterns and learn more effective strategies to deal with difficult situations.

CBT is an empirically supported intervention that is used to treat a variety of emotional and behavioural problems in children and adults.  It is commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, ADHD, ODD, eating disorders, elimination disorders, sleep challenges, anger management, and mood disorders.