Behavior Approaches

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)  A notable treatment approach for people with an ASD is called applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA has become widely accepted among health care professionals and used in many schools and treatment clinics. ABA encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors in order to improve a variety of skills.  The child’s progress is tracked and measured.
​Search for a certified Applied Behavior Analyst in Louisiana here.
                                There are different types of ABA.  Following are some examples:
       Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
  • DTT is a style of teaching that uses a series of trials to teach each step of a desired behavior or response. Lessons are broken down into their simplest parts so that they can be repeated until mastery is achieved. Positive rewards (praise, snacks, tokens, etc.) are is used to reinforce correct answers and behaviors. Skills are then generalized to ensure that individuals can apply them across multiple environments. 
  • Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
    ESDM is typically seen in practices for children under 3 years. It uses play to promote the development of language, social, and cognitive skills. These types of therapies view parent involvement as a key component to success. 
  • Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) 
    This is a type of ABA for very young children with an ASD, usually younger than five and often younger than three, that focuses on replacement behaviors and coping strategies. This methodology breaks tasks into small, manageable steps to promote greater success.
    Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) 
  • PRT focuses on learning how to adapt and respond to pivotal moments in their environment. This treatment aims to increase a child’s motivation, response to cues, self-management, and ability to initiate communication with others. Positive changes in these behaviors should have widespread effects in multiple areas such as language skills and behaviors.
  • Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI) 
    VBI is a type of ABA that focuses on teaching verbal skills. The intervention focuses on the ability to label objects by adjusting goals into achievable skills. As an example, "ba" is accepted for "ball." The word "ball" will be encouraged through shaping and repetition, and reinforced as a response until it is developmentally achievable. 

Communication Devices