ABA and Autism

Question 1

What does ABA stand for?

Answer 1

Applied Behavior Analysis

Question 2

What is ABA Therapy?

Answer 2

The scientific approach to understanding and shaping behavior.

Question 3

What is Autism?

Answer 3

A persuasive, developmental disorder, a spectrum disorder, and a label for a constellation of symptoms.

Question 4

What are the two core areas of development that ASD effects?

Answer 4

1. Persistent decificts in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts
2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities

Question 5

What are the three levels of ASD recognized in the DSM-5?

Answer 5

1. Requiring support
2. Requiring substantial support
3. Requiring very substantial support

Question 6

To being diagnosed, according to the DSM-5:

Answer 6

1. Symptoms must be present early in development
   a. Possible early signs could be lack of eye contact, or not responding to a name; not pointing to objects to show interest; rigidity in routine; repetitive interests; vocalizations; body movements;
2. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in functioning
3. Symptoms are not better explained by another diagnosis

Question 7

Who can diagnose ASD?

Answer 7

A licensed psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician can diagnose ASD

Question 8

What is the known cause of ASD?

Answer 8

There is no known cause of ASD, but there are several ideas and myths

Question 9

What are the several ideas and myths contributing to the cause of ASD?

Answer 9

1. Genetics
2. Biological and neurological differences
3. Emotionally distant, “Refrigerator mothers”
4. Vaccines
5. Gluten and or/casein

Question 10

What is the cure for Autism?

Answer 10

There is no known cure for Autism currently. Some individuals with ASD do not improve immensely, given early and intensive intervention, however we cannot say we can completely alleviate or negate the cause- we do not even know the cause!