Autism, ADHD, and ABA

About Autism, ADHD, and Related Disorders

Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

  • Early intervention can improve learning, communication, and social skills, as well as underlying brain development.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and therapies based on its principles are the most researched and commonly used behavioral interventions for autism.
  • Developmental regression, or loss of skills, such as language or social interests, affects around 1 in 5 children who will go on to be diagnosed with autism and typically occurs between ages 1 and 3.
  • An estimate one-third of people with autism are nonverbal.
  • Nearly half of those with autism will wander or bolt from safety.
  • Nearly 28% of 8-year-olds with autism have self-injurious behavior. Head banging, arm biting, and skin scratching are among the most common.
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated 30 to 61 percent of children with autism.
  • More than half of children with autism have one or more chronic sleep problems.

Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

There is no medical detection for autism.

Over the past two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: vaccines do not cause autism. 
 
                          ----Autism Speaks

Autism

 Often characterized by:
    • Difficulty with social interaction
    • Repetitive behaviors 
    • Problems with speech and communication
    • Unique strengths and differences 
  • Diagnoses can be made as early as 18 months, but can also happen much later
  • Affects virtually every aspect of a person’s life 
  • Enormous impact on families
  • Affects 1 in 59 children (including 1 in 37 boys), per CDC’s 2018 estimate

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

  • Demonstrated to be the most effective treatment protocol for people with autism
  • Evidence-based
  • Adaptable across all environments (home, school, community, etc.) 
  • Highly individualized Teaches desired behaviors through positive reinforcement 
  • Effective for ADHD and other related disorders
Common Q&A's

ADHD and Other Related Disorders

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

Inattention--wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, is disorganized. These problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.

Hyperactivity--seems to move about constantly, including in inappropriate situations. May excessively fidget, tap, or talk. Adults may show extreme restlessness.

Impulsivity--makes hasty decisions without first considering consequences or potential for harm. May exhibit a desire for immediate rewards or an inability to delay gratification. May be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others.

ABA is also an effective behavioral intervention for other disorders (Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), for example).

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