Free Product Review: Autism, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and the Appreciation Station

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy (sometimes also called "discreet trial training" or the Lovaas Method) is an early intervention program for children.

ABA therapy is a combination of effective techniques that uses positive reinforcement rewards to develop new skills in social and language development, or reduce unwanted behaviors that interfere with learning.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy uses behavioral observation and positive reinforcement or prompting to teach behaviors to individuals with autism who may not otherwise learn these behaviors spontaneously through imitation.

The Appreciation Station™ is designed to help both Educators and Parents of children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, Asperger's syndrome, and other autism spectrum disorders (ASD), to have a complete system that's easy to use and works well with current positive reinforcement therapies, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT).

The Appreciation Station is already being used in homes and educational setting such as The Autism Society of MN, The Behavioral Institute of Children and Adolescents, The Family Achievement Center and The Help Group in CA.

What People Are Saying About Developmental Disabilities and Positive Reinforcement:

"Correct use of positive reinforcement is one of the most important components of effective educational and behavioral services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Positive reinforcement, more simply known as 'rewards', occurs when a desired behavior (language, social interaction, academic work) is followed by a desirable outcome, or reward (such as attention, or a special treat or activity). Successful positive reinforcement results in a behavior occurring more frequently in the future. It can make learning fun, increase participation and cooperation, and help children learn valuable skills. [...] Some teachers and parents may have concerns about using positive reinforcement. They may feel that kids should do their work without special rewards or that using edibles is more appropriate with a pet than with a child. While I understand these concerns, scientific literature strongly supports the effectiveness of positive reinforcement for children with special needs. I believe educators and parents should consider using this technique because it is a powerful tool that can help improve children's skill acquisition and behavior."

Alan Harchik, Ph.D., BCBASource: May Institute
Click here to learn more about The Appreciation Station.