Applied Behavior Analysis: Generations

Applied Behavior Analysis: Generations

Applied Behavior Analysis: Generations

When I began work at an autism treatment provider over two months ago, I was just as energetic as any young adult college graduate, eager to start a career after a few years of singing the recession blues. Although I was fully aware of the generous services the organization has provided to children and families affected by autism throughout its history, I had no idea of what to expect from my new employer or what kind of impact it would have on me.

Settling in a small but cozy desk kiddy corner to the staff kitchen, I began my new life at the corporate headquarters becoming acquainted with my department team as well as a fair portion of the friendly staff walking back and forth to get their lunch or the usual cup of coffee. Some of them were therapists, who work on a daily basis with children affected by ASD and their parents. There were a number of occasions in which some of the young clients would walk near my desk while under guidance.

I was given the chance to say hello to one in particular, no older than four. When he looked at me in response, I looked back and suddenly saw myself at his age; in a set of unpredictable and often frightening circumstances that I had no control over, being exposed to applied behavior analysis and given a chance to lead a normal life, defying societal expectations. I was in this child's situation once, and the same behavior approach that he was receiving was given to me.

Granted, it's been over two decades since I was treated for autism with ABA (applied behavior analysis), which was considered to be radical and groundbreaking in the field of psychology at that period, even after its successful study eight years earlier in which nine out of its nineteen subjects recovered, conducted by the approach's brilliant founder, Dr. Ivar Lovaas. Much of the material, such as the assessments, learning curriculum and lesson plans, has been updated and improved since that significant period in my life and has continued to help countless children live healthy, productive lives as ABA becomes more readily available in health and treatment facilities across the nation.

I was more than certain this child would one day leave this building with his family able to talk, learn and play, just like any kid his age. Since that encounter, the warm feeling of hope and certainty returns to me whenever I see other patients being led by determined therapists near my desk. If I could recover from autism with applied behavior analysis as it was practiced in its days of infancy, then I have no doubt that, after years of vast improvement and research, the outcome of each child through the program will be a shining success.

POST COMMENT

Second Part Video Analysis On Ratings Topsoil Analysis Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - An Analysis of Pip's First Encounter With Estella Competitive Analysis SNAP 2010 Analysis | SNAP 2011 Solution Keys Comprehensive Analysis Of Pharmaceutical Wholesale And Distribution Industry Understanding Failure Analysis The Need Of Flawless Attribution Analysis Pt2 Can You Find Happiness In A Past Life Analysis? The Need Of Flawless Attribution Analysis Pt1 An Explanatory Analysis Of The Factors That Determine Demand For Commodities Omnipure Water Filter Analysis The Amt Requires Additional Analysis With Respect To Standard Vs Itemized Deduction