PABA & Autism

The Philippine Association for Behavioral Analysis, or PABA, is a non-profit organization that seeks to understand autism and develop programs and tools to assist children with autism to learn and function in society. PABA also focuses on other pervasive developmental disorders, including childhood disintegrative syndrome, Rett's Syndrome, and Asperger's Syndrome.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by patterned behavior, difficulty with communication and severe social impairment. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it is estimated that three to six of every 1,000 children is autistic. The disease has been found in every culture or race and occurs more often in males than females. Nearly 75 percent of children diagnosed with autism also suffer from some level of mental retardation.

Social/Communication Impairment

Due to the severe social impairment common in autistic children, many are unable to connect or respond to the communicative attempts of other people. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, this unresponsiveness is usually the first symptom of autism noticed by parents of suffering children. Autistic children might have difficulty making eye contact, empathizing with other, understanding social cues or interpreting instruction or information. Obviously, the hallmark characteristics of autism is what makes the autistic child difficult to understand and teach. The deficits and excesses of behavior in autistic children are believed to be a neurological defect that can be manipulated through adjustments in the patients' environment.

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA, is the goal and mission of PABA. It focuses on the study of behavior and its relationship to the environment. Since research has proven that autistic children do not learn as well in a typical learning environment, applied behavioral analysis has helped to understand and manipulate the learning environments that are most beneficial and productive for children with autism.

Method

In order to develop a teaching system for children with autism, PABA must perform teaching trials to gauge the reaction of the child to and the retention of knowledge of material attained. A child's response to teaching methods are recorded and then examined to determine which methods were most successful. Because autistic children, like any others, learn at different speeds and in different ways, the methods are tailored to individual children, adjusting the pacing and timing of teaching sessions, and determining the variances of skill sets among children.

PABA's Objectives and Purpose

PABA was developed both to assist children with autism as well as those that teach them. The organization offers certification of Applied Behavioral Analysis to teachers and professionals throughout the Philippines, and acts as a referral program among ABA practitioners. PABA also serves as an informational source and research team to further the study and understanding of autism, and the means by which children suffering from the disease can be taught.