What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder; signs typically appear during early childhood and can affect a person’s ability to communicate, and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Some of the impactful behaviours associated with ASD include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviours or just a few. The diagnosis of ASD is applied based on analysis of all behaviours and their severity across environments.
It's important to recognize, each and every person on the spectrum is completely and beautifully unique. Though ASD can affect some in ways that brings forth immense challenges, it can also bring incredible strengths! Autism is not "bad", it is not something to be "rid" of. It is something to be understood so that each individual can rise to their best potential through the right supports. Neurodiversity is a wonderful thing!
Some of the impactful behaviours associated with ASD include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviours or just a few. The diagnosis of ASD is applied based on analysis of all behaviours and their severity across environments.
It's important to recognize, each and every person on the spectrum is completely and beautifully unique. Though ASD can affect some in ways that brings forth immense challenges, it can also bring incredible strengths! Autism is not "bad", it is not something to be "rid" of. It is something to be understood so that each individual can rise to their best potential through the right supports. Neurodiversity is a wonderful thing!
ABA = Applied Behaviour Analysis
Applied behaviour analysis is a science that allows clinically trained professionals to understand behaviour beyond their "gut instincts". It is a method of assessment and treatment based on evidence; How do we know if things are working? How does a clinician know when their client is progressing? The answer: when they are seeing raw data on the actual "things" they are trying to change. Think back to when you were in school - the only way for your teacher to know that you actually know math, is to give you a test e.g. 10 multiplication questions. Well your score on that test tells him/her how much you know about multiplication, whether or not you need some more support in that area, or whether it's safe to move you on to the next level and teach a new concept. Similarly, ABA is a method of treatment that breaks elements of concepts/behaviour down to manageable, teachable units - completely individualized to the client. No longer are we comparing apples to oranges, we are comparing apples to apples. To that end, we are actually comparing an apple to itself. Who is the best predictor of how you are doing, how far you have come along and how much further you have to go to reach your goals, than you?
As seen on the T.V show, The Doctors - ABA is the gold standard of Autism treatment.
ABA and Autism
ABA is currently the only evidence-based method out there for the treatment of skill deficits, that can be experienced by those on the Autism Spectrum. Its notoriety as an extremely successful form of treatment, has allowed ABA to branch out and service clients outside of just those with autism. ABA is now commonly used for the treatment of a variety of learning and behaviour disorders, as well as a method of teaching / training and assessing industrial workplaces, military personnel and productivity to list a few. Click here to read 10 myths about ABA, as we all know not everything we hear is true which can unfortunately lead parents to make uninformed, unsafe and sometimes without knowing, even harmful treatment decisions.
The work Rubina does with ABA is predominately in the area of helping individuals with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, to strengthen their gifts from neurodiversity, and assist with the challenges. She currently works as a Category A (RASP) Board Certified Behaviour Analyst servicing the Tri-Cities, North Shore and North Surrey communities. Rubina received her training under the supervision of one of B.C's top Board Certified Behaviour Analysts: Dr. Sara White, Ph.D BCBA. Rubina is a part of the BC-ABA organization and Autism Society of British Columbia - pledging commitment to continuous outreach and personal training in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis. Rubina is also a member of the ABA-International Community.
Currently Rubina offers consultation services for home-based ABA therapy, as well as private and public schools seeking to support their neurodiverse students. She also provides group therapy sessions. Group sessions provide a safe, inclusive environment where participants can work on strengthening a variety of skill sets while making new friends! All groups utilize evidence-based methods from CBT and ABA, allowing the groups to provide superior skills training for all group members.
If you're interested in ABA therapy services and would like to inquire about current availability, please get in touch with Rubina using the contact form on this website.
The work Rubina does with ABA is predominately in the area of helping individuals with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, to strengthen their gifts from neurodiversity, and assist with the challenges. She currently works as a Category A (RASP) Board Certified Behaviour Analyst servicing the Tri-Cities, North Shore and North Surrey communities. Rubina received her training under the supervision of one of B.C's top Board Certified Behaviour Analysts: Dr. Sara White, Ph.D BCBA. Rubina is a part of the BC-ABA organization and Autism Society of British Columbia - pledging commitment to continuous outreach and personal training in the field of Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis. Rubina is also a member of the ABA-International Community.
Currently Rubina offers consultation services for home-based ABA therapy, as well as private and public schools seeking to support their neurodiverse students. She also provides group therapy sessions. Group sessions provide a safe, inclusive environment where participants can work on strengthening a variety of skill sets while making new friends! All groups utilize evidence-based methods from CBT and ABA, allowing the groups to provide superior skills training for all group members.
If you're interested in ABA therapy services and would like to inquire about current availability, please get in touch with Rubina using the contact form on this website.
 |
|
|
