Introduction:
ABA is one of the most recommended therapies in the United States for those with autism. But there is a lot of controversy in the autism community surrounding it. Some see it as extremely harmful compliance training. Others have had a fantastic experience.
If you are unfamiliar with it, I broke down ABA in an extensive 3-part series, which you can find here.
On top of that, I did a 12-week series of what ABA looked like for us. I’m not trying to promote it or discourage its practice. My aim is simply to inform you so you can make an informed decision on whether ABA is right for you or your kids.
You can find an index of all the video’s here.
And now, the post!
I didn’t record any of the actual sessions this week because I didn’t have permission yet (I recorded some of the following weeks)…
Week one was almost exclusively rapport-building between the therapist and Jonah. We have in-home 1:1 therapy so the therapist just followed Jonah around and watched him play. At times, he would try to join him, but wouldn’t pressure him in any way.
Basically, the goal of this period is for Jonah to feel comfortable with the therapist in his house, and in his space.
Jonah had to get acclimated to the therapist being here (as he would with any person). I didn’t notice any overt control or compliance-based tasks by the therapist at all. As a matter of fact, it didn’t look much like therapy at all. It was the therapist following Jonah around, seeing what his interests are, and trying to join him in his play.
We did have one meltdown, which wasn’t related to the therapy itself, just a change in his routine.
Jonah’s therapist was able to see what a meltdown for Jonah looks like. He didn’t try to intervene in any way and he let me handle the situation. Jonah was trying to throw open cabinet doors in an effort to break the hinges and to throw a step ladder around the kitchen. I followed Jonah and blocked him from opening cabinets, while the therapist just sat on the floor blocking access to the step ladder.
Jonah actually slapped the therapist multiple times and the therapist didn’t do anything to stop him, but also didn’t move. I have been in this situation many times and will usually do the same.
I was eventually able to redirect Jonah by letting him go in the backyard to play and he was fine after that.
Going forward, as Jonah gets used to his therapist coming over, hopefully we can reduce the meltdowns and aggression.
We will see.
ABA Weeks 1-12
Nothing found.