Accurate Dissemination of ABA

ABA as a field is exploding and it seems that everyone has their own take on it.

Maybe it's more of a question of branding than anything else, but it seems at least to me that everyone is trying to REVOLUTIONIZE the Autism Education Field. From "experts" popping up everywhere, without the education to back up their expertise, to consultants that possess the credentials but not the practical knowledge of the application of IBI; the industry is changing. My only hope is that  the increase in professional interest in Autism is driven by a desire to make meaningful change, and not a desire to capitalize on a growing industry.

1 in 88 has Autism...talk about a growing demographic.

The prevalence of Autism, though intriguing, is not the subject of this post. The true issue I am taking up with, is the tendency for Autism therapy practices to show up on web pages, in consultants portfolios, or on message boards, claiming to be evidence-based and peer reviewed, but negating basic principles of science in so doing. You cannot claim to evidence-based, if you are not fully committed to the application of principles of ABA.

You cannot have your cake, and eat it too! You cannot accept the benefits of associating yourself with an evidence-based science, while also claiming to be anything other than a direct application of ABA. It's false advertising, and it's confusing for parents who aren't able to tell the different between evidence-based and not. We wear the professional hat, and with that role comes power and a (perhaps false) sense of knowledge/expertise.

I am all for finding new-age ways of engaging with your clients ( At MM we are super hands on and play based, BUT and it's a big BUT, it's all within the framework of evidence-based philosophies which we stick to VERY strictly). The principle of behaviourism are pretty much set in stone, and though we can decide how we get from A to B, we have to follow certain rules to get there.

Practitioners shouldn't be wavering on these principles even a little bit if they are claiming to be ABA; it's not a  buffet where you can pick what you want and negate the rest. ABA is evidence-based, but if you're not doing categorical ABA, it's NOT evidence-based. Now believe me if you walk into my center you are NOT going to find robotic discrete trial learning going on, and yet, we are somehow adhering strictly to principles of behaviour in every aspect.

Please require a high standard of your practitioners, your kids deserve it; the ABA industry deserves it.

Transitions, Transitions: Tis the Season to be Anxious, falalalalalalalala

Teachers and students alike are anxious at this time of year, planning for next year and beyond. As special educators, there are steps that we can take to decrease the overall anxiety of our students, and our colleagues, as the case may be.

How to transition into a new learning environment

-Expose your child to the new environment, before he or she is expected to remain independently
-Speak openly with your child, encouraging dialogue about new things
-Discuss expectations and rules of the new space
-Allow your child to explore the environment at his or her own pace
-Reinforce positive interactions with people, teaching materials, and toys
-Develop social stories which explain the new and unfamiliar routines and expectations; a new drive to school, a new route to walk, a new teacher and a new classroom.
-Allow a transition period, and don’t expect or require an easy transition; know that new environments can be overwhelming, and allow your child to feel whatever comes naturally.
-Pair the environment and instructors with fun, fun, fun. How can I successfully pair with a child?
 *Lots and LOTS of positive reinforcement: high 5s, hugs, tickles, fun activities and games, treats, special activities, trips to the park
*Establish trust in the relationship
*Establish consistent expectations and standards of behaviour
*Develop a rapport

Planing for a successful transition is an essential component of any thorough program; a transition plan is usually written by a special needs teacher, behaviour therapist or individual formally trained in the writing and application of a successful transition plans. For more information on how you can develop your own transition plan, or for information on professionals who can support the transition process, send us an email at
MagnificentMindsToronto@Gmail.com