Clinic Notes: ABA and the Neurosciences

Most ABA therapists have little background in the neurosciences. Unfortunately, this often results in a "one size fits all" approach to ABA. In our clinic some children with neurological impairment resulting in low muscle tone get fatigued very quickly doing Discrete Trial Training (DTT). With these children we slow down, have longer intervals between trials and give frequent breaks. I've seen ABA therapist push these kids to the point that they break down and profit little from ABA. Other kids with ADHD types of behavior may need shorter intervals between trials and less frequent breaks to keep them on tasks. In my few view, at least one course in basic neuroscience.