Kaliopi Guna, MS, BCBA, LBAABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy can be like a guide through the maze of special education schools. It can bridge the gaps for children with autism to help them thrive in school. ABA principles transform the classroom for both teachers and students, fortifying them with the building blocks of a successful learning environment.
How ABA helps children with autism succeed in mainstream classrooms
Different thinking is what characterizes children with autism. Different learning approaches are what help them succeed.
An ABA teacher is not different in that they don't teach like a regular teacher — their lessons can appear very standard. Most teachers probably employ some ABA methods without even knowing it, like positive reinforcement, prompt fading, or token economies.
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ABA makes classroom learning possible for children with autism and their teachers
What makes ABA different from other special education training is that it focuses not on the “what” of learning but on the “how” to learn. Behavioral principles are very effective when working with kids with autism, but they can be used to teach any concept to anyone of any age. It’s a way to teach that benefits and supports every student in the classroom.
ABA gives children the skills to make friends
Social cues are too subtle for many kids with autism. ABA teaches them how to tune in to what others are sharing indirectly and how to reach out to others. It helps them interact appropriately with both teachers and peers.
ABA teaches children to communicate
Learners need to be able to share what they need. ABA gives children with autism the skill, knowledge, and confidence to reach out to others and communicate their needs, wants, and feelings.
ABA helps children learn academic skills
Knowing the science of behavior means you can use it to teach effectively. ABA techniques like errorless learning, prompt fading, and task analysis can help you nurture new skills in a way that ensures that every student learns.
ABA helps teachers (and students!) manage behavior
When you know the why, it changes the what. Applying an analytical perspective to classroom scenarios helps you find the root of challenging behaviors — and empowers you to create lasting change. And when children know how to look out for what sets them off, they can regulate themselves.
ABA builds children’s language skills
Language is the basis of all learning, and without language, there can be no learning. Many children with autism struggle to build their expressive and receptive communication skills. A behavior-based approach to language building sets learners up for meaningful and lasting verbal communication.
Behavioral science can transform the learning experience. But how? The classroom is a busy, happening place, and teachers don’t have a lot of extra time for extras outside of their lesson plans.
But ABA techniques in the classroom don’t have to be outside the lesson plan. Teachers with special education training can easily incorporate ABA techniques into their special education curriculum and lesson plans to optimize the learning environment for success.
•Break every task down into small, clear steps. Go all the way and delineate every aspect of the task — down to picking up their pencils.
•Provide visual schedules to make it clear what’s on the agenda. Give each subject, procedure, or activity its own visual schedule that details every step that the student needs to do.
•Use positive reinforcement to encourage students to keep up desired behaviors. Tell them when they did something right or give them a token, treat, or small prize when they do something correctly.
•Phrase your instructions as positive directions rather than as negative directions. Tell them what they need to do rather than what not to do — like “stay in your seat” instead of “don’t stand up.”
•Use social stories — a story about a kid their age — to teach new processes or concepts. If you can, use an illustrated social story with clear, descriptive pictures.
•Teach with visuals and props. Children with autism are usually visual learners, so help them see what they are learning. If you’re telling a story, give them a copy to read as you say it. If you’re giving an example, sketch it out on the board.
•Use clear, direct, and unambiguous language. It’s hard for kids with autism to grasp nuances, so avoid using metaphors and idioms.
The approach that breeds success
Many educators will note that working with children with autism can be a struggle, whether in a mainstream or special education class. They may have behavioral challenges and learning differences that make it challenging to teach them.
Applied behavior analysis minimizes the struggle. It provides teachers with tools to reach every student and empowers students to achieve learning goals. That’s why mainstream and special education schools that work with kids with autism seek out teachers with an ABA certification. ABA sets learners up for success.
