Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of learning and behavior, designed to analyze and modify specific behaviors in a precisely measurable and accountable manner. ABA has had a significant impact on developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by exclusively utilizing evidence-based practices that have been clinically proven effective. Research studies have shown that Early Intervention Therapy or Early Intensive Behavioral Treatment (EIBT), using ABA principles, has resulted in half of the participating children with autism entering the public school system in classrooms with typical peers. Furthermore, the best outcomes occur when Early Intervention based on ABA principles is initiated at an early age (preferably before age 5) and involves 20-40 hours per week.

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The fundamental objectives of Early Intervention therapy are to improve the child's current and future lives and those of their families. The early years of development are a critical period for the acquisition of communication skills. Researchers believe that the early social-communicative behaviors of toddlers and infants are the foundation for later language development. Interventions that provide the most direct, individualized, and intensive services can have the greatest benefits. Thus, early intervention, focusing on expanding the child's skill repertoires and building communication with caregivers at home, can improve problem behavior and prevent recurring problems. ABA Intervention, focused on developing skills rather than merely reducing problem behavior, holds the most promise for positively impacting the child's development.

Research indicates that effective intervention programs should result in:

1. Changes in the individual's social relationships and daily activity patterns.

2. Increased community inclusion.

3. Changes in the individual's health status or the need for crisis intervention.

4. An expansion of skill repertoires.

5. A generalized reduction in problem behavior.

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When providing ABA services to our clients, it is essential for us to offer interventions that are based on scientific research, individualized, effective, and unintrusive. Our early intervention services focus on using high-quality, research-based ABA practices to reduce and teach the replacement of problem behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, increase language and communication skills, improve self-help and social skills, and shape new behaviors. We employ different types of ABA therapy, such as Discrete-Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET), to enhance our clients' learning experiences and facilitate the generalization/transfer of skills.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is one of the most common ABA intervention techniques and is frequently used for teaching new communication skills. It involves breaking down tasks into short, simple trials and reinforcing the behavior. Discrete trial training relies on the ABCs of Applied Behavior Analysis: Antecedent (what happens immediately before the behavior) - Behavior (the observed behavior) - Consequence (the event that immediately follows a response).

A discrete trial consists of four to five steps in behaviorally based instructional routines:

1. Antecedent (a short, explicit instruction to which the client is to respond)

2. Prompt (providing a temporary prompt if necessary)

3. Response (the target behavior or skill occurring)

4. Consequence (providing the reinforcer)

5. The inter-trial interval (a brief pause between consecutive trials)

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Natural Environment Training (NET)

NET or Natural Environment Training utilizes ABA principles to teach in the child's natural environment, such as at home, in the park, and in the classroom. This approach focuses on teaching through play while following the child's lead and motivation.

For example, the colors blue and green can be taught to the child while they are playing with their favorite Lego set. NET also incorporates the ABCs of behavior and always includes reinforcement of desired behaviors. This method can teach various skills such as communication, joint attention, eye contact, pretend play, and turn-taking. NET enables the child to learn skills in one environment and generalize them to other settings. Furthermore, it is easy to conduct, and parents can implement it with their child when the therapist is not present.