When discussing the integration of Applied Behavior Analysis into school districts, the most commonly heard argument is that the therapy works through rote memorization, or that students aren’t actually learning, but instead are simply mimicking behaviors and answers. It is important for school administrators to understand that this is not how ABA therapy works. While repetition and mimicking are certainly a part of initial treatment, they are not the end result. ABA is about forming new neural pathways in the human brain that can help children learn how to understand concepts and behaviors.

The reason that mimicking and repetition are integral to ABA therapy is that it is through these behaviors that new neural pathways are formed. Just like children often have to memorize spelling words when they are young until they eventually learn how to spell by using words they already know and applying the same principle, ABA requires certain behaviors to be repeated and mimicked until the brain develops the ability to learn new behaviors on its own. ABA is exceptionally effective and is an important tool for children with autism spectrum disorder. Offering such a program within school systems can help these children learn to perform in the same manner as their peers and allows many to integrate into a standard classroom environment.

It is important for educators to understand that Applied Behavior Analysis is about much more than simple memorization. Through these exercises and lessons, children are able to pick up the very fundamental concepts of learning and behavior, which opens the door to a lifetime of learning. So often these children are improperly taught or even disregarded as bad children or as children who are incapable of learning. The simple truth is that these children have excellent potential, but that it is the job of the schools to understand how to teach them.

While most ABA training courses are costly, making them unaffordable for school districts, DVD training courses are designed to fill this gap. A well designed course will offer a large number of training lessons as well as supplemental materials, teaching tools, comprehension tests, and even the option to receive help if a lesson is not fully understood. Providing educators with access to these courses is very cost effective and can give your teachers the ability to better teach students with autism. ABA therapy uses memorization to teach very important life skills and to help build neural pathways that leave children open to a full lifetime of learning and enjoyment.

Author Bio: Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential. MP’s courses developed by 2 PhD BCBA’s were created to empower parents and school systems Brand Viagra to provide effective and affordable training to school systems. To see more visit www.maximumpotentialkids.com

Category: Family/Parenting
Keywords: ABA Therapy, ABA Training, Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, Autism, Verbal Behavior, Autism in School