For example, in Massachusetts there are the New England Center for Children and the May Center. Just this year, Connecticut opened its first ABA school, the Connecticut Center for Child Development in Fairfield. It is a program of intensive one on one teaching based on research first published by B.F. Skinner in 1938 and later expanded upon by many others. Successful use of ABA methods for children with Autism was first documented in 1967. This article will introduce the basics of what an Applied Behavior Analysis program is and answer some of the questions parents ask most often.
ABA is an intensive, structured teaching program.
Lessons to be taught are broken down into their simplest elements. Correct responses and behaviors are rewarded with LOTS of positive reinforcement. When incorrect responses occur, they are ignored and appropriate responses are prompted and rewarded. Undesirable behaviors are approached in the same manner. At first, the child may be rewarded for doing something close to the desired response.