Methodologies
- Discrete Trial Training: An intervention founded on the principles of applied behavior analysis. This intervention breaks down a task into smaller, discrete steps and uses positive reinforcement until the target response is achieved.
- Functional Behavior Analysis: An assessment that focuses on why a behavior occurs, what is maintaining it and how to appropriately manage it through systematic intervention.
- PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a program developed by Bondy and Frost that assists with expressive communication. It serves as a bridge to vocal communication.
- Social Stories: Developed by Carol Gray. Based upon real-life situations, this methodology provides the means to learn appropriate behavior through scripts. Each story is unique and individualized to the child's needs.
- Verbal Behavior: Applied Verbal Behaivor (AVB) uses B.F. Skinner's 1957 analysis of Verbal Behavior to teach and reinforce speech, along with other skills. VB program will focus on getting a child to realize that language will get him what he wants, when he wants it. Requesting is often one of the first verbal skills taught; children are taught to use language to communicate, rather than just to label items. Learning how to make requests also should improve behavior. Some parents say VB is a more natural form of ABA.
- Pivotal Response Therapy: Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a behavioral treatment based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. This method of teaching was developed by Robert L. Koegel & Laura Schreibman at UC Santa Barbara. This is a naturalistic teaching method which focuses on two main skills which they theorize are "pivotal" to all other learning and behaviors: motivation and responsiveness to multiple cues. In using this form of teaching child choice, turn-taking, reinforcing attempts and interspersing maintenance tasks are used to increase motivation. This intervention method has been found to be effective in teaching language, social skills and play skills.