Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a research-based strategy that has been shown to be effective in the development of skills for people with ASD. It consists of various components including discrete trial training (DTT) natural environment training (NET), functional communication training (FCT) which is essential for making the connections and building the desire to communicate, and echoic training. All of these components together form a comprehensive programme to best suit an individual and their unique needs.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and interaction, and may cause restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. This means that it may affect the way that a person engages with the world around them and restrict their ability to learn, communicate, and form relationships with friends and family. Challenging behaviours such as aggression, self-injurious behaviour (SIB), tantrums, or property damage may also be a factor in their lives.
It is estimated that more than 1 in 100 people are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UK with an estimated 700 000 adults and children finding themselves on the spectrum.
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?
Discrete Trial Training is a structured teaching method that provides repeated opportunities for learning. There is a clear beginning and end, and the child is given positive reinforcement to encourage desired responses. The skills taught in this manner include language, academic and certain social skills.
Natural Environment Training is less structured and allows for teaching skills as they come up incidentally. NET promotes independence and generalisation of skills. It relies on natural reinforcement to encourage a child to respond in a desirable manner. It is highly effective for skills that do not require a rote response and have a functional, day to day purpose. this can be anything from greetings, to play skills to adaptive skills such as putting shoes on before leaving the house.
Functional Communication Training is essential to teach a child the importance of communication. By immediately reinforcing a child by giving them what they have requested, the child learns that their needs can be met in ways that do not include challenging behaviour. Repeated use of this concept allows a child’s world to expand as their desires and needs can be more easily met by those around them.
Echoic Training is another important aspect of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) where children are encouraged to make sounds using modelling and prompting so they can improve their verbal language.
Early Intervention
Early intervention is widely thought to be critical in the acquisition of important skills needed for communication, social skills and functional, day to day life. This lays a foundation of learning that sets children up to continue to grow and learn to the best of their abilities.
SEN or Special Needs Education is an essential component in the facilitation of growth and development of individuals with ASD. SEN tutors trained in ABA are pivotal to the implementation of specialised programmes that are designed to meet the needs of individuals with ASD.
The Star Academy
The Star Academy is an established leading provider of ABA services in South Africa and has expanded their reach to the United Kingdom where they provide top quality services to support individuals with ASD and their families.
The Star Academy provides ABA services that include comprehensive assessments and high-quality individualised intervention programmes for individuals with ASD. SEN tutors trained in ABA work one on one to provide the most support, and careful attention to detail. Data is tracked on skill acquisition as well as challenging behaviour management to provide a comprehensive overview on the progress of an individual to best meet the needs of both the individual and their family.
Star Academy utilises the knowledge and skills of Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBA) to ensure the high quality and smooth running of the services provided.
Tutors are thoroughly trained and undergo frequent in-house training to ensure their skills and abilities stay at a high standard.
Flexible options
The Star Academy caters for both in person and remote online sessions.
Home based sessions are a convenient, comfortable and non-intrusive option for ABA services where children may learn in the surroundings where they are most at ease. This also allows them to more readily apply these skills to their home environment outside of session, facilitating fast independent implementation of their new skills.
School facilitation is another option provided where a tutor accompanies a child to school to assist in social and academic skills within the school environment.
Remote online sessions allow for skills to be taught over camera to best benefit those in outlying areas or those who may not have access to in person sessions. This can be done directly with the child or with a caregiver.
With a dedicated administrative office in London, The Star Academy is committed to meeting the needs of the community across the UK. With a team that is passionate, highly informed, and determined to provide the highest quality services, they strive to make Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) accessible to all.