The Sad Truth about ABA

Almost a year ago, when he was 23, we were finally able to get an ABA assessment and plan for Ryan.  There were very few professionals providing ABA services in our area when he was younger.  I’m sorry that we had to wait so long, especially given the changes I’ve seen in Ryan’s behavior since we started.

 What is ABA?

ABA stands for applied behavior analysis.  It is based on the principle that if a behavior is reinforced, it is more likely to be repeated.  ABA focuses on positive reinforcement for positive behavior or demonstration of skill that is being taught (reading, for example).  In our particular situation, our goal is to get Ryan to decrease the frequency and severity of his meltdowns.  These meltdowns are the only thing keeping him from progressing from the pre-vocational program at his day treatment program into the full vocational program, in which he can earn his own money, something that he would love to be able to do.  Therefore, it’s important that we and his program do whatever we can to reduce and hopefully extinguish the meltdowns.

We use a system in which Ryan earns points for using the computer appropriately and for leaving it when turn is over or he’s directed to do so for whatever reason.  This has historically been the biggest and most consistent trigger for his meltdown behaviors.  A 24 year old with a meltdown is not something I like to deal with on a regular basis, but before ABA came into our lives, it was a several times a day occurrence. 

Ryan earns points with a weekly punch-card system.  We “catch” him behaving appropriately and we give him lots of points immediately.  Then over the weekend, he can trade those points for game time on the computer.  (Because of his behaviors when I’m alone with him, he’s only allowed to play computer games when Wayne is home and supervising Ryan).  We’re generous with the points but still have to limit his game time to a certain degree, because too much time on the computer still leads to meltdowns, even when he’s playing his beloved games.

 Does ABA work for adults?

In a word, yes.  AutismSpeaks.org cites several recent studies that confirm that ABA techniques are effective tools for teaching and building on important life skills for adults with autism.  The benefits of ABA have not been studied nearly as much in adults as they have in children, but the results are there.

We have seen a dramatic increase in Ryan’s positive behaviors with the computer and a marked decrease in computer-related meltdowns since we started using ABA.  In my opinion, it works, and it works well.  However . . .

 The sad truth about ABA

The sad truth about ABA is that it only works as well as we do.  If we slack off on the positive reinforcement, Ryan’s negative behaviors escalate.  We have to be very diligent about reinforcing his positive behaviors, ignoring the negative behaviors as much as possible, and providing the appropriate reward. 

I’m not a perfect mom, nor am I perfect when it comes to implementing the ABA procedures and principles I was taught.  But the more I try to follow the program, the fewer meltdowns we tend to have, and that’s a form of reinforcement for me!  Maybe I need my own ABA system . . .

 

Have you had experience with an ABA program for your adult child?  Please feel free to share in the comments section below.  I’d love to hear your story!