Discovering ABA
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition characterized by unique differences in brain function, affecting how individuals communicate, interact socially, and manage behaviors. It's crucial to understand that behaviors themselves are not autism. Instead, they may be maladaptive behaviors reinforced by environmental factors. Autism symptoms reflect neurological differences and alternative neural pathways, creating a necessity for adaptive skills. Depending on environmental responses and supports, these adaptive skills can sometimes become maladaptive.
Autism Diagnostic Criteria and Levels
The diagnostic criteria for autism include challenges with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and restrictive interests. Repetitive behaviors may include actions such as repeatedly flapping hands, rocking back and forth, or spinning objects. Restrictive interests might manifest as an intense, often narrow, focus on specific subjects or activities like dinosaurs, trains, or particular games, to the exclusion of other interests. Restrictive behaviors could appear as an extreme adherence to routines or rituals, significant distress with minor changes, or rigid thinking patterns.
Other less obvious signs of autism may include difficulty interpreting social cues, avoiding eye contact, appearing insensitive or overly sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures, challenges with emotional regulation, unusual responses to common social situations, or difficulty understanding humor, sarcasm, or indirect communication. These subtle signs might sometimes be mistaken for shyness, inattentiveness, defiance, or even sensory processing issues, delaying accurate identification and support.
Autism is categorized into three levels:
• Level 1 (Requiring Support): Individuals might have difficulty initiating social interactions and might appear less interested in social engagement.
• Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support): More evident communication challenges and repetitive behaviors are present, significantly affecting daily functioning.
• Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support): Severe communication challenges and highly restrictive behaviors necessitate extensive support.
Autism can manifest differently between boys and girls. Girls often display subtler symptoms, such as intense focus on social interactions, heightened sensitivity to social rejection, or exceptional ability to mimic peers. These traits can mistakenly be interpreted as shyness, anxiety, or even being overly compliant. Additionally, girls frequently engage in "masking," which involves consciously or subconsciously imitating typical social behaviors to blend in and hide their challenges. Masking can contribute significantly to delays in identification and receiving necessary support, as girls may appear to be coping well despite underlying difficulties.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach to understanding and modifying behavior through positive reinforcement and structured teaching strategies. ABA helps individuals with autism improve skills like communication, social interactions, daily living tasks, and reduce maladaptive behaviors. Ethical ABA practices prioritize consent, respect the individual's dignity, and focus on trauma-informed care, recognizing past experiences' impact on current behaviors.
Examples of everyday ABA include:
• Positive reinforcement of desired behaviors (e.g., rewarding a child for completing homework).
• Structuring daily routines to reduce anxiety and increase predictability.
Blaze ABA specifically emphasizes collaboration with neurodivergent clinicians and advocates, ensuring treatment plans are respectful, informed, and genuinely beneficial.
If you found this insightful, need help with services, or have additional questions please contact Blaze ABA for additional information.
Elizabeth Hernandez
Freelance Writer & Content Creator | Partnering with Blaze ABA | Owner, NeuroLoom LLC | Weaving Together Neurodivergent-Friendly Solutions