ABA versus Son-Rise

There appears to be some very fundamental differences between two leading programs for the treatment of Autism. This account of the differences is from the Son-Rise side.

http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/contents/other_sections/aba-son-rise-program.php

ABA vs The Son-Rise Program


Understanding of Autism
ABA
The Son-Rise Program
Sees Autism as a behavioral disorder, with behaviors to be either extinguished or reinforcedSees Autism as a social interactivity disorder, where the central deficit is relating to other people
The child needs structure and must learn to sit appropriately, follow a schedule, and comply with requestsHelping the child to be flexible and spontaneous enables him/her to handle change and enjoy human interaction


Area of Focus
ABA
The Son-Rise Program
Changing the behavior of the childCreating a relationship with the child
Seeks to “extinguish” the child’s repetitive “stimming” behaviorUses “joining” technique to participate in the child’s repetitivebehavior


Method of Teaching New Skills
ABA
The Son-Rise Program
Repetition – Uses discrete trials or similar method to prompt the child to perform a behavior (followed by a reward) over and over again until the child has demonstrated masteryMotivation – Builds the child’s own interests into every game or activity so that the child is excited, “comes back for more,” generalizes skills, and relates naturally rather than robotically


Areas of Learning
ABA
The Son-Rise Program
Often focuses on academic skillsAlways teaches socialization first
Sees academic areas such as math as an excellent way to help the childcompensate for lack of social skillsSeeks not to help the childcompensate for social skills deficits but rather to overcome them


The Role of the Parents
ABA
The Son-Rise Program
Professionals are the major players, with parents having a more observational roleParents are given the most central role because their love, dedication, and experience with their child is unmatched


The Role of the Facilitator’s Attitude
ABA
The Son-Rise Program
Sees attitude as largely irrelevant, with effective application of behavior shaping techniques being what mattersSees attitude as vitally important, since having a non-judgmental and welcoming attitude determines whether the child feels safe and relaxed enough to interact and learn



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