ABA 4 You Information

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, costing the nation approximates $137 billion a year. Presently autism research is receiving the least amount of funding, less than 5% of funding for childhood diseases. Treatment using Applied Behavior Analysis has been shown in scientific studies to be effective in increasing behaviors and teaching new skills as well as reducing problem behavior (Golstein, 2002, Odom et. al., 2003, McConnell, 2002; Horner et. al.2002). When applied behavior analysis is provided intensively research has shown that the gains in development may be strong enough to decrease the need for special services, in whole decreasing the amount of government spending per individual per year on special services. As a result, applied behavior analysis not only has the power to make significant impact on the functioning of diagnosed individuals, but also our greater community as a whole. In addition a wave of students with ASD is reaching age 21 and upon graduation will be flooding into the adult world that is not adequately prepared for them.