Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is based on two goals:

Breaking down skills (such as communication and cognitive skills) into small tasks, then teaching those tasks in a highly structured way.

Rewarding and reinforcing positive behavior while discouraging and redirecting inappropriate behavior.

ABA programs usually take place in the home. hey consist of !" hours a week of intensive therapy over two to three years. An ABA program is usually delivered by:

the program consultant, who devises and oversees the program, and he program team, which usually consists of at least three therapists who alternate in working with your child.

he program team will work with your child on a one#to#one basis in a number of two# to three# hour sessions. he team will try to teach your child by breaking skills down into smaller tasks. hese tasks are then taught in a repetitive and structured way, with a particular emphasis on praising your child and reinforcing positive behavior. An ABA program usually begins with simple tasks, such as prompting your child to clap their hands. $hen your child responds, the team member will help reinforce that response by giving them verbal praise or giving them their favorite toy. %ver time, these small tasks will build up into more comple& skills that will help with your child's development.

TEACCH
(A))* is a type of educational intervention that places great emphasis on structured learning by using visual prompts. Research has found that children with A+, often respond better to information that is presented visually. (A))* is often delivered at special day centers, but you can also receive training so that you can continue the intervention activities in your own home.

Speech and language therapy (SLT)

+peech and language therapy is a type of skills training designed to improve your child's language skills, which can improve their ability to interact with others socially. +- is usually given in regular hourly sessions. he therapist uses a number of techni.ues, such as visual aids, stories, toys and vocal e&ercises to improve communications skills, such as:

listening skills, attention skills, he ability to understand the social and/or emotional conte&t of specific language. 0or e&ample, being able to tell when the person who is speaking is happy or upset, and

he ability to understand non#literal language, such as metaphor or figures of speech.

Medication
here is no available medication to treat the core symptoms of A+,, but medication can treat some of the related symptoms, such as:

repetitive thoughts and behavior, and Aggressive behavior, such as tantrums or self#harming.

he most widely used medication is the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (++R1s) class of antidepressants, which work by changing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. +erotonin is known to affect behavior and mood. (&amples of ++R1s include:

fluo&etine, and 2aro&etine.

+ome children with A+, who are taking ++R1s can suddenly have a sharp rise in serotonin levels. his can trigger a group of side effects known as serotonin syndrome. +ymptoms of mild to moderate serotonin syndrome include:

confusion, agitation, muscle twitching, sweating, shivering and ,iarrhea.

1f your child e&hibits any of the above symptoms, stop their medication and seek immediate advice from your 32. +ymptoms of severe serotonin syndrome include:

a high temperature (fever) of or above 45.!6) (7"460), sei8ures (fits), irregular heartbeat, and 9nconsciousness.