The CARD Approach to Education
Treatment approaches that are grounded in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy are now considered the forefront of therapeutic and educational interventions for children on the autism spectrum. In simplest terms, this behavioral framework utilizes manipulation of both the antecedents and consequences of behavior as a way to teach new skills and eliminate maladaptive and excessive behaviors. The Discrete Trial is a particular ABA teaching strategy that enables the learner to acquire complex skills and behaviors by first mastering the desired interaction. For example, in "I want to play," one might first teach sub-components of this skill, such as the individual sounds comprising each word of the request, or labeling enjoyable leisure activities as "play." By utilizing teaching techniques based on the principles of Behavioral Analysis, the learner becomes able to complete each discrete (sub-component) skill independently. Once the individual components are acquired, they are linked together to enable mastery of the targeted complex functional skill. This methodology is highly effective in teaching basic communication, play, motor, and daily living skills.

Initially, ABA programs for children with autism utilized only Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), and the curriculum focused on teaching basic skills. Since then ABA programs such as the program implemented at CARD have evolved, placing greater emphasis on the generalization and spontaneity of skills learned; this expansion compensates for the limits imposed by DTT (it’s primarily teacher-initiated, the reinforcers used to increase appropriate behavior are typically unrelated to the target response, and rote responding can often occur). Moreover, deficits in areas such as emotional understanding, perspective taking, and other executive functions (such as problem-solving skills) must be addressed, and the DTT approach is not the most efficient means to do so; other teaching strategies based on the principles of Behavior Analysis such as Natural Environment Training (NET) may be used to address these more complex skills. NET addresses the inherent weaknesses of DTT in that all skills are taught in a more natural environment and in a more playful manner. In addition the reinforcers used to increase appropriate responding are always directly related to the task (e.g., a child is taught to say the word for a preferred item such as a car, and as the reinforcer is given access to the car contingent, not a piece of candy, on making the correct response). NET is just one example of the different teaching strategies used in a comprehensive ABA-based program. Other approaches that complement DTT include Errorless Teaching procedures and Fluency-Based Instruction. At CARD, all appropriate teaching approaches based on the well-grounded principles of ABA are utilized.

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CARD Contact Information:
CARD Headquarters
19019 Ventura Blvd, 3rd Floor
Tarzana, CA 91356

Phone: 818-345-2345
Fax: 818-758-8015

Email: info@centerforautism.com
Website: www.centerforautism.com

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