Whenever
I read these types of comments, I think to myself- ABA is not just about highly
structured interventions with massive discrete trials that rewards correct
responses with M&Ms.
Yes, I
have to be honest, I do come across some ABA programs that are highly
structured and lack fading procedures and Natural Environment Teaching. Yes, I
do come across behavioral psychologists who joke about the ABA usage of primary
reinforcers like M&Ms.
However,
my response is usually this: A truly experienced Behavior Analyst will know
what is necessary for each individual, situation and setting and will apply ABA
principles accordingly.
I supervise
a student with Autism who is mainstreamed with typical developing children. It
has been very nice to witness how this child has grown over the past few years
being in regular school with some added therapeutic supports.
On the
other hand, I worked with students with Autism placed in general education
classes where they are completely lost. This students desperately need one-on-one
instruction with emphasis on motivation and teaching basic functional skills,
such as attention and imitation. How are they going to learn if they cannot pay
attention or imitate what is being taught?
Thus, I
have seen both sides, settings that were mainly Natural Environment Teaching
that needed more structure and discrete trial additions to overly structured
programs that needed to become more flexible and natural.
Is
there an easy answer to all of this? NO. It all DEPENDS upon many factors that
have to be assessed and evaluated individually. ABA is a single-subject design.
This means, programs are tailored to the student. One of the problems with
special education is cookie-cut curriculums that fit all. Instead of adjusting the
environment to the student, the ABA environmental approach, they ask the student
to adjust to the environment.
Sounds good? Well, let’s get
back to work.
Daniel Adatto, BCBA
No comments:
Post a Comment