Autism is characterized by patterns of delay and development of social, communicative, and cognitive skills, which arise in the first years of life. As developmental and behavioral problems arise these conditions often require the cure of multiple providers, coordination of service and support of family and friends. With a combination of ABA (applied behavior analysis), parent training, and public school education the outcome can be very rewarding. .
After researching and reading many literary reviews the following paper explores the background history of autism, an in-depth look at characteristics a child displays as an infant, and how applied behavior analysis is used to treat children at a very young age. There are many signs from birth that can imply a child may be suffering from an incurable condition of autism. ABA is characterized by discrete presentation of stimuli with responses followed by immediate feedback an intense schedule of reinforcement, data collection, and systematic trials of instruction. ABA seems to meet the need of individuals with autism who typically respond to routine and directness. However, a critical analysis of the approach is necessary to determine the real potential of ABA. There are still many controversies regarding this method.
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Background History on Autism.
Leo Kaner and Hans Asperger who, independently of each other, published accounts of this disorder in 1943 and 1944 first recognized childhood autism. Their publications were the first detailed case description that offered the first theoretical attempts to explain the disorder. Even though it seemed a remarkable coincidence that they both used the word autistic the term has already been introduced in 1911 by psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler. Originally, it was referred to as a basic disturbance found in schizophrenia patients who had trouble forming relationships with people and withdrew themselves from any form of a social life.