In 1999, the Surgeon General of the United States concluded that ABA was the proven method for treating Autism. ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) is a practical approach that uses the principles of learning new skills and technology to change behaviour in a systematic and measurable way.
The Verbal Behaviour approach builds on all of the ABA research but also enhances a child’s ability to learn functional language. Language is treated as a behaviour that can be shaped and reinforced while careful attention is paid not only to what the child is saying but why he or she is using language (Barbera, 2007).
At The Village, we teach using Verbal Behaviour approaches through the Verbal Behaviour Milestones Assessment (VB-MAPP). This assessment is based on language and social skill acquisition demonstrated by typically developing children (Sundberg, 2012).
Function-Based Intervention strategies will be implemented using ABA methodologies and Verbal Behaviour approaches including, but not limited to:
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
- Errorless Teaching
- Mixed and Varied Trials
- Mand Training
- Pairing
- Reinforcement
- Prompting/Fading
- Shaping
- Extinction
- Generalization
Each individual client’s program will be designed using VB-MAPP and ABLLS as assessment tools.
The ABA program at The Village can be home based or centre based. The Instructor therapists are responsible for executing individualized programs designed by BCBAs and Senior Therapists.
Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI)
Our Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) program will be taught using the methods above and should include 20 or more hours per week of therapy.