What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder that is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, vocal and nonvocal communication and repetitive behaviors. Signs of autism can be seen in a child as young as 18 months of age. Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. 

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What is ABA? 

Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA,  is the most widely used treatment approach for children on the autism spectrum. It is the application of the principles of learning and motivation and the procedures and technology derived from those principles, to the solution of problems of social significance. ABA is used to increase appropriate behaviors, teach skills, maintain behaviors, ​ and to decrease behaviors that interfere with skill acquisition (e.g., aggression, stereotopy).