Frequently Asked Questions

Here at EIP Autism, we have received many quiries regarding autism in general as well as our services. These are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

On Behaviour:
+ What is Behaviour Modification?
+ What is Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)?
+ What is the Lovaas Approach?
+ What is Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
+ Does ABA/DTT therapy cure autism?
+ Does ABA/DTT therapy work with other disabilities?
+ How much therapy does a child with autism need?
+ Who are the professionals qualified in behavior analysis or ABA?
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Q: What is Behaviour Modification?
Behaviour modification is simply translated to "changing one's behaviour". It is the application of behaviour principles to improve specific behaviours. However, this term has been used interchangeably with Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Behavioural Therapy. In ABA, it is behaviour modification in which there has been attempt to analyse or control the variables affecting the behaviour of concern, whereas behaviour therapy is behaviour modification carried out on dysfunctional behaviour, generally in a clinical setting. Hence, the term behaviour modification has a broader meaning and includes both Applied Behavioural Analysis and Behavioural Therapy.
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Q: What is Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) also called, behavioural modification, behavioural intervention or behavioural treatment, is the application of specific methods based on scientific principles of behaviour in therapeutic settings, to build socially appropriate behaviours and reduce problematic ones especially in individuals with autism. With careful examination and continuous assessment of behaviours, information obtained from the analysis of behaviours, provides understanding what triggers (antecedents) and maintains (consequences) an individual's behaviours. Strategies can, then, be implemented to change or modify the antecedents and consequences, thus, resulting in a change of behaviour in the individual. |back to questions|

Q: What is the Lovaas Approach?
The Lovaas Approach is just another term for the employment of techniques of Applied Behavioural Analysis and Discrete Trial Training. It is named after O. Ivar Lovaas who first demonstrated the efficacy of this approach. Using behaviour change techniques, Lovaas focused on strategies to teach social behaviours, eliminate self-stimulatory behaviours, and develop language skills in children with autism.
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Q: What is Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is one of the methods or techniques used in behaviour modification or applied behavioural analysis. It is effectively used, especially in building language and skills such as mathematics and social skills, in autistic individuals. It is a very structured method, and involves teaching the individual on a one-on-one basis. The individual learns through presentation of tasks in a series of separate (discrete), brief sessions (trials), and is expected to focus only on the task. Only successful attempts are rewarded, whereas unsuccessful attempts are corrected through prompting.|back to questions|

Q: Does ABA/DTT therapy cure autism?
It is best to term 'recovery' in whether ABA/DTT therapy is beneficial in the management of autism. Some studies have shown that some children (about 40% to 50%) can achieve 'symptom free' status, while other children have show or make partial recovery. |back to questions|

Q: Does ABA/DTT therapy work with other disabilities?
ABA/DTT can work with other disabilities but often the results are not as remarkable. |back to questions|

Q: How much therapy does a child with autism need?
Support recommendation about 35-40 hours per week is suggested based on Lovaas (1987). However, it is generally accepted that a minimum of 20 hours a week over a two-year period is necessary. Note that therapeutic activities need not be confined to tabletop activities or indoor activities especially when the child progresses, so that generalization and maintaining of training in different environments can be introduced and learned.
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Q:Who are the professionals qualified in behavior analysis or ABA?
Professionals who are qualified to provide behavior analysis training or ABA should have either a master's or doctorate degree in the area of clinical or developmental psychology, special education, and other human services disciplines such as occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. These professionals often have formal training in psychology and behavior analysis training as course work. However, the more significant the problem behavior, the more extensive the training and usually require more clinical component. In other words, children with severe problem behaviors are often trained by clinical psychologists, who have experience in managing this kind of problems through course work and internship.
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