What is ABA and Why is it Important in the Treatment of Autism?
Suzanne Jacobsen, Ed.D., BCBA
Clinical Director, ABA Learning Centre
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Why the Focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
In BC, once parents receive a diagnosis of autism for their child, they are expected to set up a treatment program using an approach grounded on Applied Behavior Analysis, in order to qualify for ­government funding. But what exactly is ABA? And why is it so crucial in autism treatment?

This engaging presentation, richly illustrated with video, will describe ABA’s role as a contemporary intervention based on more than 40 years of scientific research. Dr. Jacobsen will explain the differences and overlap between commonly used terms that frequently confuse parents and community professionals. These include: discrete trial teaching, Lovaas therapy, the Verbal Behavior approach, Natural Environment Teaching and Positive Behavior Support.

Video of different procedures, strategies and techniques, which are all ABA, will be shown to illustrate the use of ABA in teaching a wide variety of skills to children and youth. These skills include learning to learn, communication, and behavior management. Dr. Jacobsen will describe the evidence that ABA, directed and delivered competently, and individualized to address the child’s needs, is a powerful tool in autism treatment with the strongest foundation in research of any autism treatment approach.