It wasn’t that long ago when autism was considered a mysterious disorder, leading to many misunderstandings and myths. Unfortunately, even with the great advances of science, some of these misunderstandings continue today, especially when it comes to treatment for this developmental condition. Many will choose ABA treatment in Miami for their children, but some do not, and often base their decisions on misconceptions which still linger today.
Being aware of the truth behind these myths can help ensure that children receive the treatment for autism that can lead healthy, productive lives.
Misconception: ABA Is Not Scientifically Proven
This is a colossal myth since there is significant evidence showing that ABA is an effective treatment option for those with autism. The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute reviewed many evidence-based practices and determined that applied behavior analysis techniques are the most scientifically valid of them all.
Many major federal and state agencies, such as the Surgeon General of the United States, also endorse ABA treatment in Miami as an excellent treatment for autism.
Myth: ABA Is a New and Untested Treatment
The foundations that would develop into ABA treatment in Miami were laid out more than a century ago. The first behaviorist views were promoted in 1913 by John B. Watson, while B.F. Skinner explored the tenets of ABA in 1938 in his book, the Behavior of Organisms.
Behavioral analysis has been used since the 1960s as a way to teach social, play, academic, work, and community living skills. It has been used to help with communication and as a way to reduce unwanted behaviors from those who have autism.
In 1970, the approach began to be used with children with autism by Ivar Lovaas. Eleven years later, a training manual was written called The Me Book that would detail the principles behind behavioral therapy.
Misconception: ABA Doesn’t Relate to Actual Human Experience
The basic idea behind ABA is that all learned behaviors have a precursor and a consequence and that those consequences can shape behavior. For example, most adults around the world work to earn money and might be likely to stop working if that monetary reward was no longer provided.
ABA treatment in Miami works in the same way by offering positive reinforcement for choosing the desired response. It is very practical and rooted in real life experiences.
Myth: ABA Treatment Only Works with Children with Autism
While ABA therapy is most often used with children who have autism, that doesn’t mean that it cannot be useful for children and adults who do not have autism. Since this kind of therapy reflects how our brains work through positive and negative reinforcement, it can be useful for all kinds of people.
The techniques used can help with necessary skills like looking, imitating, and listening. It can also be used to encourage skills like conversing, reading, and understanding where another person is coming from.
Why Choose ABA Treatment in Miami
The truth of the matter is that applied behavior analysis helps to end undesirable behaviors, while desirable actions are reinforced. It can help a child’s eating behaviors, speech, bathroom activities, and sleeping routines. It can be a life-changing experience for children with an autism spectrum disorder and should be considered by parents of a child who has autism.
