What is ABA?

ABA stands for Applied Behaviour Analysis. IBI and "Verbal Behaviour" are closely associated methods that many people use interchangeably with the term "ABA".

ABA is a teaching style utilizing behaviour and learning theory with heavy focus on positive reinforcement, systematic observation, and accurate data collection.

In ABA, we teach basic learning skills first. We then build on acquired skills with more advanced material. In ABA, all teaching is done in a systematic, organized fashion. Through techniques of positive reinforcement children are also led to acquire the necessary motivation for learning more advanced skills. Aspects of learning that a child finds difficult are broken down into small, achievable steps. These steps are then presented in a simple and consistent manner.

The ABA approach pays particular attention to the careful reinforcement of a child’s achievements and close monitoring of each child’s progress, underpinned by precise data collection and observation.

People often think that ABA programs are only used in the home and for pre-school aged children. For example, the form of ABA known as the Lovaas method was developed for home-based pre-school teaching. However, there are other applications of ABA, for example Verbal Behaviour, which are used both at home and in school settings, and not just for young children with autism.

Decisions about the most appropriate type of ABA approach for a child will be based on the needs of the children and their families. A ‘good’ ABA approach will place a lot of emphasis on enabling children to translate their learning into new situations and in providing parents with the skills to respond to their child’s communication, social and behaviour needs.

How can Under the Umbrella Tree help?

UTUT provides intensive behavior intervention for children diagnosed with autism and other related disorders. Every child undergoes an assessment upon entrance to our program to identify current strengths and areas that require intervention. Programs are individually developed for each students specific needs.

At UTUT each program is monitored, and new data is reviewed on a weekly basis by our clinical manager and senior therapists to ensure that our students are reaching their program goals.

For further information, or to book an appointment to tour our Treatment Centre please contact us

We are currently accepting full and part time registration applications for the summer of 2008 and the 2008-2009 program year