Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

• marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, such as eye-to- eye gaze,

• facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction

• failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

• a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)

• lack of social or emotional reciprocity

• qualitative impairments in communication, as manifested by at least one of the following:

• delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)

• apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals

Autism Spectrum Disorders are complex developmental disabilities that typically appear during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism spectrum disorders impact the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.

It is a way of observing and studying many different behaviors, including language, imitation, play, self-help, and academics, as well as maladaptive behaviors, using the principles of behavioral science. 

ABA involves breaking down tasks into small, discrete tasks taught in a highly structured and hierarchical manner. 

Differential reinforcement is used to effectively teach tasks and is tailored to each individual child.  No matter how many different children you work with using ABA, your approach with each child will never be exactly the same.

Uses the ABC (antecedent, behavior, consequence) model.

Data is collected to determine what is working and what is not working.