Heather McCallen, Proven’s Young Adult Program Director, recently wrote this article detailing the benefits of ABA for young adults. Proven launched its Young Adult program for individuals with autism ages 16-26 last year. We work with our clients in the home and the community using Applied Behavior Analysis. Read on to learn more about ABA and how it can be beneficial at any age.
Autism spectrum disorder is often thought of as a childhood condition, with treatment, support, research, public awareness, and education focused primarily on children and the importance of early detection & intervention. This helps lead to the common misconception that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other specialized services are only used with children. It is important, however, to remember that autism does not end when a child turns 18 or ‘graduates’ (ages out) from a state provided program. While early intervention is known for laying the groundwork to learning and is to be most effective with gaining new skills at a fast rate, ABA can and should be used throughout the lifespan. Most of the research in the field is geared towards younger populations, though with the increasing number of children reaching adulthood, the need for additional and updated research is being recognized. In May 2020, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that autism affects 1 in 45 US adults aged 18 and older. Additionally, given US population estimates and prevalence rates, approximately 70,700 to 111,600 youth on the autism spectrum turn 18 years old each year.
With such large numbers of children with autism reaching adulthood each year, public awareness, treatment programs and support systems need to be in place to prepare families for this stage of life. To date, ABA is the most scientifically proven and effective treatment for autism across the lifespan, including the carryover from childhood/adolescence to adulthood.
ABA is effective at any age
Applied Behavior Analysis is a science that focuses on improving socially significant behaviors and teaching skills which are tailored to the individual. For example, it can consist of efforts to increase skills leading to more independence while decreasing behaviors that interfere with learning new skills. One of the reasons why ABA is so useful in treating individuals with autism is that behavior change can be addressed at any age. Skills are assessed to identify what specifically needs to be worked on for the individual. Behavior programs and teaching plans are selected and created for the learner then data is collected to measure progress. If progress is not being made, changes can be made to increase success for the learner. Of course, the skills taught to a child will look different than those taught to an adult, but the strategies used will be similar in nature. Put into practice, a child receiving ABA therapy may be learning to identify “bus” while sitting at a table doing 1:1 individualized instruction, and an adult receiving ABA may be learning to name the printed word “bus” while sitting at a table doing 1:1 individualized instruction to later generalize the skill in the community (e.g., when the adult is learning where to get the bus after work). ABA teaching strategies include: breaking down complicated skills into smaller components; providing visual, verbal, physical prompts; rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring unwanted behaviors; modeling, visual supports, natural environment teaching, and making careful plans to teach and generalize skills in relevant settings such as the community or work environments.
Proven’s Young Adult Program:
Proven’s Young Adult Program offers ABA for individuals with autism ages 16-26, a crucial time to build independence, develop new routines and leisure skills, and a sense of self while carrying over the skills learned in school. Our goals are to help, teach, guide, and motivate our clients to increase independence across all areas, increase self-awareness and self-confidence, build significant relationships, self-advocate and overall increase quality of life – both theirs and their family’s.
Clients receive an initial assessment conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). During the assessment, clients will be asked to perform certain skills and to answer a series of questions. Family members are welcome to help as needed. Based on the results from assessment and other provided information, the BCBA will complete a treatment plan with recommended goals and ABA therapy requirements. A key component of this process is that the clients take an active role in the planning and development of their behavioral program, including identifying learning targets.
Our Coaches (ABA therapists) then teach and help individuals practice skills targeted in their treatment plans using ABA strategies in the home and community. The team’s BCBA attends session weekly to ensure progress and to train family members on how to implement the principles of ABA to increase independence with their young adult. Learn more about our Young Adult program here.
References:
“Key Findings: CDC Releases First Estimates of the Number of Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States”https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/features/adults-living-with-autism-spectrum-disorder.html
“Does ABAWork for Older Children?” https://asatonline.org/research-treatment/clinical-corner/does-aba-work-for-older-children/
Najdowski, A. C. (2017). Flexible and focused: Teaching executive function skills to individuals with autism and attention disorders. London, UK: Academic Press.
Heather McCallen is the Director of Young Adult Programs at Proven Behavior Solutions. She brings over 17 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with special needs, including 14 years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Heather provided direct ABA services in a clinical and residential facility for adolescent girls diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder before moving to Abu Dhabi where she provided direct ABA services and supervision to teams of therapists in home, schools, and clinical settings. When Heather returned to the United States, she taught and supervised an ABA classroom on Cape Cod. Heather started as a Clinical Supervisor with Proven Behavior Solutions in February 2017. In December 2019, she was moved into the role of Director of Proven’s Young Adult ABA Program. Heather holds a Massachusetts state license as an Applied Behavior Analyst and meets the BACB Standards for Supervision Requirements to supervise BCaBAs, RBTs, and trainees seeking BCBA certification.
Education:
BA in Communication Disorders, University of Connecticut
MS in Education, Simmons College
Post Master’s Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis, Western New England University
Proven Behavior Solutions is a group of specialized professionals committed to improving the lives of children and adolescents affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the South Shore and Upper Cape Cod regions of Massachusetts.
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