The Growing Minds Program and
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
The Growing Minds Program relies primarily on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as our instructional method of choice.
Over the years, ABA programs for children with autism have changed. Originally focused on speech acquisition, cognitive development and behavior problems, ABA programs now incorporate concern for quality of relationship, social skills, leisure skills and other dimensions of the child’s life. While aversive or punishing methods were more commonly used years ago, there are very few ABA programs that still use such methods today.
Our work at Growing Minds has also changed over the years. As we sought the best and clearest methods available for helping children recover from autism, our focus has enlarged from a predominantly play-based approach to incorporate ABA principles and methods. In practice this means:
- Our methods are grounded in well-researched behavior principles.
- We assess each child’s skills and create individualized education plans.
- When appropriate, we use ABA methods, including discrete trial teaching fluency training, precision teaching, natural environment training, errorless learning supported inclusion and the best of what ABA has to offer in helping children grow and learn. (See definitions of these terms).
- We train parents and others working with the child in these teaching methods.
- We use data gathering methods and recording methods to determine that the child is growing and learning and we do not rely on an intuitive feeling that progress is being made.
There is variation among ABA programs. Growing Minds varies from many ABA programs the following ways:
- We encourage parents to create a special play/instruction room in the house that is free from distractions and is an optimal environment for teaching and interacting. Core lessons are taught first in the playroom, and then “generalized” to other environments.
- Parents are trained in all aspects of program and can take a directorial role. We advise, instruct and encourage and parents make the program decisions.
- We alternate instruction times with intensive interaction (sometimes called joining or following) times. Instruction times often include discrete trial teaching at a table. During these times, the adult directs the child. During intensive interaction times, the child has the lead. In this way, the children learn to be both cooperative and self-assertive.
- The child needs to understand clearly whether it is an intensive interaction time, or an instruction time. We teach parents to make this very clear so that there is no confusion.
- Growing Minds focuses more than usual on helping parents, teachers and program staff to be as reinforcing (rewarding, fun, exciting) as possible so that the child experiences people in their lives as “oh so fun!”
- While many ABA programs recognize that the attitude of parents and teachers is important, Growing Minds emphasizes this, including training for parents and teachers (as necessary) to develop optimum attitudes toward set backs, problem behaviors, etc.
15096 115th Avenue North, Jupiter, Florida 33478
Phone: 561-748-9697 Fax: 561-748-6543
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1999
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