Supporting Families to Implement Applied Behavior Analysis Strategies for their Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This paper details the basic components of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how it is used as a treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Key research includes a 1973 O. Ivar Lovaas study that focused on the use of early intervention strategies as treatment for behavior problems and speech delays exhibited in children with ASD. Becker and Kraemer (2010) conducted a survey of parents who had children diagnosed with ASD and found that overall, their experiences with ABA therapy were positive and were of benefit to the family as a whole. This study is particularly important because Andersen, Bøttcher, and Dammeyer (2017) concluded that parental involvement in the ABA therapy process was important for the therapy’s long-term success. This project provides a website for parents of children with ASD who want to understand ABA therapy and how it can benefit their child. It is designed to provide ABA-related terms in simple, easy-to-understand language, and to provide parents with downloadable resources such as data sheets and communication cards. While this website provides a preliminary exposure to ABA therapy and its components, additional research will need to be conducted by parents in order to find a local therapist.