Re: Question about ABA and TEACCH

September 9, 2001

> Hi everyone,

>

> What exactly is the difference between ABA and TEACCH.

>

> Thanks,

> April

***

ABA is Applied Behavior Analisys and it is based on the Dr Lovaas

therapy of teaching children through small drills to build up

to " bigger " things; TEACCH, stands for Treatment and Education of

Communication Handicapped Children; it was developed by Shopler.

It teaches the child developing a program around him. It is not

necessarily a 1:1 program, and the " drills " are different. ABA is a

more direct approach, in my opininon, while TEACCH build up on

existing skills, but gives the child more " freedom " . I believe ABA is

more intensive, but I never really done TEACCH but for a few times

while in Italy. When we moved to the US and found out about ABA, I

thought it would have been the perfect choice for my son. Maybe

someone who is doing TEACCH with their child right now, can explain

much better than I, since I am not very knowledgeable.

ABA on the other hand is really great. My son started speaking within

two weeks of ABA therapy, and hasn't stopped, and is imitating, and

doing a lot of fun stuff. With ABA, the child is basically strongly

reinforced and praised for the accomplishments he makes; every little

thing he does right, my sone either gets tickled, or gets a fun toy,

or gets kisses or whatever is that he wants really bad

Some use food as reinforcers, especially in the beginning. It always

depends on the child and his age and beginning level. We don't, never

did, and it worked just greatly.

I don't remember that was the case with TEACCH.

Hope this little bit helps. Sorry it was this long.

Cristina-WA

Proud mom to 4.8 yo ASD, & 2 yo NT twins.

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