Educational

There are a number of educational programs to choose from when deciding how to teach a child with autism. The most popular method chosen by parents is Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA).

ABA really refers to a set of principles. These principles of learning are scientific fact. We do things that make us feel good. We do things that result in positive consequences rather than negative consequences. We are always using these principles whether we are aware of it or not.

The truth is ABA can be applied in a variety of ways (please read the section on ABA to learn more). The traditional way of using ABA is called discrete trial learning, but this is only one application of the principles of learning. There are other ways, which include using naturalistic settings, capitalizing on the child's inherent motivation, paying more attention to what the child is saying to us and capitalizing on what makes the child feel good and happy.

When choosing an educational program for a child, please believe the parent or guardian knows what is best. Typically, no one knows the child better than the parent.

As you read through the different educational methods or programs to choose from, you will see the similarities and differences. What you decide will depend on your beliefs, accessibility, abilities and finances.