Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)
Behaviour analysis is a natural science of behaviour that was originally described by B.F. Skinner in the 1930s. The principles and methods of behaviour analysis have been applied effectively in many arenas. For example, methods that use the principle of positive reinforcement to strengthen a particular behaviour by arranging for it to be followed by something of value have been used to develop a wide range of skills in learners with and without disabilities.
Since the early 1960s, hundreds of behaviour analysts have used positive reinforcement and other principles to build communication, play, social, academic, self-care, work, and community living skills and to reduce problem behaviours in learners with autism of all ages. Some ABA techniques involve instruction that is directed by adults in a highly structured fashion, while others make use of the learner's natural interests and follow his or her initiations. Still others teach skills in the context of ongoing activities. All skills are broken down into small steps or components, and learners are provided many repeat opportunities to learn and practice skills in a variety of settings, with abundant positive reinforcement. The goals of intervention as well as the specific types of instructions and reinforcers used are customized to the strengths and needs of the individual learner. Performance is measured continuously by direct observation, and intervention is modified if the data shows that the learner is not making satisfactory progress.
Regardless of the age of the learner with autism, the goal of ABA intervention is to enable him to function as independently and successfully as possible in a variety of environments.
(Information from Autism Speaks)
Ottawa Resources
New Ontario Government funded ABA program
Ontario is expanding the range of supports available to children and youth with autism and their families. New, government funded ABA-based services will help children and youth with autism develop skills in the following areas:
behaviour management/emotional regulation
communication
social /interpersonal
daily living
ABA-based methods build skills and reinforce positive behaviour. These services can help children and youth with autism be more independent and manage better in school. Services are being introduced across the province over the next few months.
For more information click here. (November 2011)
This program is currently registering children. The program is expected to be operating in February, 2012.
Autism Intervention Program of Eastern Ontario (AIPEO)
The Autism Intervention Program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to deliver Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) programming for children on the severe end of the autism spectrum. The program is administered and delivered by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in English and French in the Eastern region of Ontario. They are one of nine regional programs in Ontario.
For more information click here.
Current waiting times for this program are 2 to 2 1/2 years. Children are placed on the waiting list as of their date of diagnosis.
For Fee Programs
Please be aware that private therapy providers are not regulated in the Province of Ontario. Make sure to ask about the background and qualifications of the person operating the business and about the qualifications that are required for their therapists. Also, the therapy centre should have a psychologist overseeing the child's program.
No private service provider should pressure a parent into signing a contract, they should give you time to go away and decide. You may want to take the contract you are being asked to sign to a lawyer before signing it. It is best to check with several private service care providers before deciding which will be best for your child.
It is important that your child connects with his/her therapist(s) or their progress will be limited.
ABACUS — directory of private ABA therapists
Helping Our Parents Educate (HOPE) — a service dedicated to helping parents of children with autism. Run by Catherine Cooke, training is offered to parents who wish to execute their own behavioural therapy programs, and programs are based around their needs, goals, and financial situations.
Emerging Minds - Our approach is formed by naturalistic behavioural, developmental, and social/relationship-based therapies. We draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches and from a range of therapy disciplines (including psychology, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, behaviour analysis, and education). This therapy is based in the child's natural environment. Emerging Minds also offers the Early Start Denver Model Therapy (ABA based) for very young children.
Floortime Therapy, Communicare Therapy, 2270 St Laurant Blvd, Suite 202, Ottawa, Ontario. We understand how hard it is when your child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder. We have experts trained in a research-based approach that offers hope for the long term outcome of children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), global development delay, and other disorders attributed to relating and communicating. Cindy Harrison 613.738.2871
Spectrum Intervention Group's primary objective is to provide care and direct instruction, using ABA principles and procedures, to children with ASD, in order to increase their cognitive and social abilities in the home, school and community. This is a center based therapy.
TIPES — Thinking in Pictures Educational Services is a non-profit educational and therapeutic service that provides support to children aged 2-18 years who have PDD (eg. Autism) and related or additional exceptionalities. This is a center based program in south Kanata.
Portia Learning Centre — Our mission is to provide the Ottawa region with high-quality, intensive educational programs based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. This is a center based program.
