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A New Opportunity
What is the most effective treatment for children with Autism?
In a review undertaken for the Disability Services Commission
of Western Australia in 1997, it was found that intensive
early behavioural intervention programmes best represent a
"significant demonstration of the possibility of positive
and enduring changes in behaviour for children with Autism".
The main conclusion of that review was the recommendation
for using Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) procedures with
high levels of parental involvement as the 'best practice'
treatment of children with Autism.
Support for ABA has grown throughout the world from parents
of children with Autism, professionals in the fields of psychology
and paediatrics, and government agencies, who all recognise
the cost effectiveness and proven high level outcome of ABA.
Professor Jeff Sigafoos, an expert in the field of
special education and the treatment of children with serious
behavioural disorders, has called for the use of ABA for the
treatment of children with Autism:
"... I would urge the adoption of early intensive
behavioural intervention as the treatment of choice for
young children with Autism and related developed mental
disorders."
Associate Professor Matt Sanders, co-author of the
Western Australian Disabilities Services Commission Report,
has also called for the adoption of ABA:
"It is my considered opinion that ABA is the most
effective, and cost effective form of treatment available
for autistic children in the world. I support any approach
to the Queensland Government to provide funding for the
provision of ABA therapy in this state, and sincerely hope
that you give any such approach careful consideration."
Rose, a Brisbane mother whose daughter is currently
undergoing ABA, says that:
"As a parent witnessing my child slowly recovering,
I can say the benefits for my child and our family far supersede
any effort and finance which we provide."
Karen and Simon, parents of a 5 year old boy with
Autism, have noticed miraculous progress during his 14 months
in ABA.
Dave and Gaye of Burpengary have seen their son, Ben,
improve dramatically once he undertook ABA.
Des and Bev have also observed over a 16 month period
the remarkable transformation of their son, Chris.
Their stories follow later.
It is conclusive, from the testimonials of parents of children
with Autism and psychologists alike, that ABA is the most
effective treatment of children with Autism.
What is the prognosis using traditional services?
The prognosis of this disorder is chronic with the majority
of individuals needing lifelong care and support. Follow up
studies indicate that less than 20% of children with Autism
will have developed sufficient skills to lead an independent
or semi-independent life.
Next: Why ABA works >
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