Beginning ABA in the Instructional Setting

Even though procedures based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be implemented across a variety of settings, there is often confusion about the differences of home- versus clinic-based settings, especially at the start of an ABA program.

The purpose of this blog is to provide a discussion of clinic-based intervention at the start of ABA.

While there is not enough research to prescribe a particular environment or model generally for children with autism, many parents and professionals are finding that beginning ABA in a more controlled environment leads to faster learning than home settings.

Once the learner begins to demonstrate favorable behaviors that can get their needs met, then there is a foundation of learning that can be more easily generalized to other settings.

Environment changes everything. Ensuring that the environment is creating the most opportunities for learning is key when trying to change behavior.

Once the behaviors that are problematic for the person are at a more reasonable level, learning begins to soar.

The following are the top 5 benefits for beginning ABA in the instructional setting:

1. Controlled Environment
   An instructional setting allows behavior interventionist to address the most challenging skills in a distraction-free environment.

2. Consistency of the Plan
   When a challenging behavior is treated differently across settings, it is more likely to persist.  Having professionals use a consistent plan in the learning environment helps the child progress faster.

3. Parent Support and Resources
   In a clinic setting, there are more opportunities to connect with families that may be on the same path as yourself. There is also more access to different resources that may benefit your family.

4. Social skills can be targeted consistently
   It is necessary for peers to be available regularly for consistent teaching and a clinic setting is ideal for having regular access to other children to practice target skills when your child is ready. This  practice would ultimately lead to the child to interact with the other children in their community, their siblings, classmates, and neighbors.

5. Whole family well being
   Easing into having behavior interventionists in your home on a regular basis might be what is best for the whole family. Starting in a welcoming ABA center and eventually moving to your home can be an effective way to get to know the provider.

Whichever provider a family selects, they should be sure to work closely with their team to personalize the child’s program to best meet their needs and the goals for their family.