FACT ABA can be used to build skills in all areas, including abstract thought and social skills. Common objectives include reciprocal conversation, joining a game, and problem- solving skills. MYTH ABA results in similar outcomes for all individuals with autism. FACT Autism is a neurobiological disorder that is evident in a person’s behavior. ABA can significantly impact a person’s behavior by teaching him new skills, sometimes to the extent that he can become indistinguishable from his peers. For the majority of individuals with autism who do not “recover,” they do make substantial progress throughout their lives as a result of ABA. MYTH There is evidence that other approaches are just as effective as ABA. FACT According to the information available at this time, ABA is the only approach with substantial, documented evidence of its effectiveness for learners with autism. Behavior analysts have conducted systematic research and provided documented, peer-reviewed evidence of its effectiveness for thousands of people. In addition, the documentation of ABA’s effectiveness covers many types of interventions, age groups, and skill levels. The proponents of other approaches have limited or no objective data to demonstrate improvement for learners with autism.
MYTH An intensive ABA program is a guarantee
that a child will be able to enter kindergarten without supports.
FACT There is a range of outcomes for learners in intensive ABA intervention. Some children enter into inclusive settings part-time and still receive some specialized instruction in another setting. Some children continue to need specialized and intensive services in a full day program. Other children enter into full-time kindergarten settings, but require supports such as a shadow (an instructional assistant assigned just to them or to several children with special needs) or a speech therapist. And some children do attend full-time regular education without supports. Most importantly, while it may be tempting to equate a child’s educational placement with success or failure, it often is more meaningful to look at a child’s progress on multiple dimensions. MYTH Intensive ABA is no longer justified when children are past pre-school age. FACT ABA has received tremendous recognition for the impact at the pre-school level. However, it remains the best documented and effective approach for older learners as well. This is so because it is a science based on the principles of human behavior, which span all age and ability ranges.
MYTH ABA consists mostly of compliance training, resulting in children who are resistant to
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Myths & Facts
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