Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects 1 in 88 children. Autism is characterized by individuals having deficits and delays in the areas of communication and social interaction, and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. While all individuals diagnosed with autism meet these criteria in some way, autism presents on a wide spectrum and at differing severities.

Click here for a detailed description of the new DSM criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder.

If you are concerned that your child may have autism, contact us for guidance in seeking a formal assessment.

 

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a science based on the principles of learning and behaviour which systematically modifies target behaviours.  ABA employs the structured use of prompting, reinforcement, and data collection to teach and track the learning of a variety of skills.  The principles and methods of ABA can be used to teach any behaviour, and is a proven approach in teaching children with autism.

 

What is the difference between ABA and IBI?

IBI is a type of therapy that uses the science of ABA to teach children with autism skills that their typical peers would pick up naturally in the course of typical language and social development.  IBI stands for Intensive Behavioural Intervention.  IBI is intensive, meaning that children receive up to 40 hours of therapy per week, and skills are taught and practiced many times until they acquire each skill.  IBI is behavioural, in that it uses the principals of ABA to teach a wide variety of behaviours, such as language, social interaction, functional living skills, motor skills, and play skills.  Finally, IBI is considered an intervention because the goal of the therapy is to modify and change target behaviours.  

IBI therapy is individualized for each learner, with specific goals and targets identified by the child's clinical team, including, but not limited to, the Senior Therapist and the child's parents/family.  Although all children's IBI programs differ in the specific skills taught, every child's IBI program is implemented using the principles of ABA, such as the use of prompting, reinforcement, and data collection and analysis.