About Nextstepslearningservices

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Autism Spectrum disorder also abbreviated as ASD is defined as a Neurological developmental disorder which can affect how a individual communicates and interacts with others. Individuals diagnosed with ASD can exhibit a wide range of behavioural issues e.g.,yelling, hitting ,self injurious behaviours, etc. A set of characteristics individuals with ASD exhibit deficits are restrictive and repetitive behaviours, difficulty expressing and interpreting social skills, restricted receptive and expressive communication, etc. However ASD is a spectrum disorder meaning each individual can exhibit different traits than others diagnosed with ASD.

ABA which stands for Applied Behavioural Analysis is a scientific  evidence based approach that incorporates a set of principles that break down behaviours and the function of behaviours in simple terms. Essentially it is how we observe and understand behaviour. Key principles that are incorporated in ABA  are Reinforcement, Punishment and Conditioning; these principles are fundamental in the approach and application of this method of practice. In simpler terms individuals are conditioned to engage in certain behaviours based on whether the outcome of that behaviour is positive or negative. ABA is also contingency based meaning that desirable behaviours are reinforced and eliminates problematic behaviours. In simple terms if individuals engage in expected behaviours reinforcement will follow leading the individual to continue in engage in those same expected behaviours. 

PECS is a type of communication system that stands for Picture Exchange Communication System. PECS is used for learners who are non verbal or learners who possess limited verbal communication. This communication involves the learner requesting using a picture of a desired item in exchange for that desired item. These pictures that are used to communicate are referred to as a PEC. This method of communication incorporates an association between the requested item and the item being delivered to the learner. PECS was developed in 1984 by an SLP Lori Frost and DR. Andrew Bondy. 

Within ABA there are many terms that can follow. A prevalent term that is used in this field is Maintenance. Maintenance is the ability to retain a previously learned skill without reinforcement being provided. The expectation of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) is consistently performing a skill independently without reinforcement being implememted. For maintenance to be achieved the skill must be variably practiced in order for that skill to be retained.