As a parent with a child diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) gives me hope. Knowing that my child has some areas where he needs help gaining skills that don't come to him naturally and understanding that there is a teaching method that is proven to work fills me with a sense of optimism.
While there are many methods of treatment out there for children with PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), ABA is evidence based, which means there is proof that it works. Some people will tell you all the things that your child may never do, but I know that nothing is written in stone. I have seen my child gain many skills and grow in ways that I never imagined he would . He continues to surprise me every day! I anticipate great things for my child and his future.
A.H.
ABA Program for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Challenge provides an intensive, behaviorally based program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Two service options are available:
- a totally homebased program or
- a combination of home and center based services (available for children 24 months and older)
What is ABA?
Behavior Analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment...Since the 1960's, therapists have been applying behavior analysis to help children with autism and related developmental disorders.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior...These techniques can be used in structured situations such as classroom lessons as well as in "everyday" activities such as a family dinnertime or an outing to a neighborhood playground.
Today ABA is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for ASD. It has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General and the New York State Department of Health. Over the last decade, the nation has seen a particularly dramatic increase in the use of ABA to help persons with autism live happy and productive lives. In particular, ABA principles and techniques can foster basic skills such as looking, listening and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another person's perspective.
From AUTISM SPEAKS, It's Time to Listen: http//www.autismspeaks.org/
Why ABA?
It is recommended by the New York State Department of Health that principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavior intervention strategies be included as important elements in any intervention program for young children with autism."Behavioral Techniques" refer to specific procedures aimed at teaching new skills and behavior. Intensive behavioral intervention programs use an array of behavioral techniques that change over time as the child progresses and as different skill areas are addressed.
From Clinical Practice Guideline: Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorders, 2009, p.33.Guideline sponsored by the NYS Department of Health, Division of Family Health, Bureau of Early Intervention.
Challenge ABA Program Description
The ABA Program at CHALLENGE is supervised, coordinated and implemented by highly skilled, experienced staff, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts who have the knowledge, experience and dedication it takes to produce an optimal outcome for every child.
Our Multidisciplinary Teams may include Licensed Behavior Analysts, Special Education Teachers, Speech/Language Pathologists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. All therapy is provided in a 1:1 format, and parents can meet with their team monthly with approval from Early Intervention.
Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their child's program. Parents have many opportunities to observe and participate in treatment, and to learn how to help their child carry over their newly acquired skills into daily routines. Our goal is for each child to enjoy and participate in family routines and community activities to the best of their ability.
Once recruited, professional staff come to our center to become familiar with the specifics of the CHALLENGE Applied Behavior Analysis Program. They must demonstrate competence before being assigned to a home based team.
At CHALLENGE, paraprofessional staff (ie classroom instructors) receive a combination of didactic instruction (readings and workbook assignments, lectures, in-services and group discussions) and directly supervised, hands on experience. They work only under direct supervision at the center, and their performance is continuously evaluated.
For more information about the ABA programs at Challenge Early Intervention Center
Brooklyn - contact Shaindy Landau, MS Ed, at 718-851-3300 ext. 290.
Staten Island - contact Miriam Deutsch, Director, ext 479
Challenge’s comprehensive home and center based ABA Services provided in our Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island Centers.
Speech and Occupational Therapy Services provided in our Brooklyn and Staten Island Centers.
Speech Therapy Services provided in our Queens Center.
What parents say about ABA?
Challenge provided comprehensive, personalized care to my child, who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Working together with my child's ABA therapists, I learned effective treatment strategies.Y.F.