What exactly is ABA and does it apply to 'high functioning'?

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Thanks for your perspective Cynthia. We are still very new to the Aspergers diagnosis (3 months) so we aren't certain about anything in terms of therapies, at this point. I am concerned though, that the underlying philosophy of ABA is that autistic behaviour needs to be modified. Certainly, as with any child, there are behaviours that can and should be moulded, but I'm concerned about the approach to autistic behaviours in particular.

I don't judge other parents for their choices, because if there is anything I've learned in this life, it's not to judge until you've walked that mile. And my mile is not the same as others. My son has no stimming, no perseveration, few meltdowns, no aggression, and is profusely verbal. I can understand why some parents may feel the need for ABA, if their children seem unreachable, or out of control.

My son is uncomfortable with eye contact and I respect that... I do not believe my way of connecting through eye contact is the only way to connect. A process that forces eye contact...if indeed ABA still does that... loses a lot of credibility for me. His mind works VERY differently than mine... and it challenges my patience and my ability to focus on what's really important in that moment, in that day, in our life. For me, these are some of the greatest gifts. I worry that an ABA approach leaves a child - at least one who is comfortably 'high-functioning" - feeling inadequate and... broken. Perhaps it makes all autistic children feel this way - perhaps not. That is the challenge of a communication barrier.

In the big picture, I believe focussing efforts on making autistic children appear 'normal' is misguided. I can, however, completely understand the need for parents to feel that they can communicate and connect with their child. But I worry that ABA goes farther than that to a different intention, one that is more about fitting in to a neurotypical planet. I think humanity could do amazing things if we were just a little more autistic, and a little less typical.

We told our son to look between the eyebrows, there is a spot between the eys that stays the same all the time and it looks like eye contact.

We don't insist on it and when older we will tell him again so he can decide for himself if he wants to do it.

Actually I'd like an answer to the last. If my son never learns to speak or express his basic needs then his 'difference' is going to be a right pain for him.

I had the most wonderful experience with ABA therapy for my son. He has blossomed. He loved his therapists and the therapy. We were so fortunate to have had full therapy in home 35 - 40 hrs. a week - fully paid by our state. If you eat a bad meal at a restaurant, is it the dish, or the restaurant that is bad? Believe me, Positive Reinforcement is how children...all human beings operate most efficiently and effectively. I have detailed our experience with ABA therapy and the methods employed to great effect with our 2E Child. Please read my Blog on my son. It will illuminate the world of difference a good solid method of operation can do for any child.

http://2echild.blogspot.com/

Cheek bones work really well for me, I'm just staring at zygomatic arches all day.

I am a mom (that did ABA with my 2 year old) but 10 years later (now) I am a teacher of young children with Autism. Most of my students are around age 7. What I am seeing, is that the students that had ABA training are MUCH better behaved in school, BUT the children that did not have ABA seek social interaction much more and independently. I do not regret doing ABA with my son, but I made sure we taught play skills and mixed it with natural environment teaching. ABA has a place in the overall teaching package available for kids on the spectrum, but it is not the only way.


P.S. My son, was mainstreamed in Kindergarten (and has been all along) and is a very well behaved student. Fortunately, he is also very social, but that is because we have continued to work with him and encourage him to thrive long after we stopped ABA. He is conversational and is considered very high functioning today. So no, I don't feel like he is dog trained, but he listens to his mother.


P.S. I wish my dog listened as well as he does.

RosieOne, that is really interesting input. I haven't heard from anyone capable of comparing personal experiences before.

Yeah interesting that, we have a young therapist who has observed the same thing about the behaviour and ability to participate in learning and achieve of ABA trained kids (I'm not sure on the socialability issue though). She has an Autistic younger brother and is a special education aide for Autistic kids at the same secondary (high) school he goes to.