Most of the families I work with are African or expatriate families living abroad. They have little to no exposure to ABA before meeting me. Because they do not have easy access to BCBA’s, they are hungry for information on applied behavior analysis! They want to learn all they can before starting the program for their child. Here are some great resources to familiarize yourself with before starting an ABA program for a child with autism. Become well versed in what a high quality ABA program involves and as a result be more confident in the decisions you make regarding your child’s treatment.
1) The Verbal Behavior Approach by Mary Lynch Barbera
In this book, Mary Lynch Barbera explains ABA/verbal behavior in a clear and concise manner. She is especially relevant because not only is she a mother of a child with autism herself, but also went on to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D).
2) The Association for Science in Autism Treatment
This website is a plethora of resources on evidence based treatment for children with autism. There are various articles laying out what is truly evidence based treatment for children with autism. In addition, ASAT provides lots of great information on the pseudoscience floating around in the autism world. Reading this site is a fantastic way to become more informed about what treatments have a solid foundation of research to support the effectiveness and why it all matters.
3) Behavior Babe
Amanda Kelly, PhD BCBA-D is the author of the website, Behavior Babe. This site has an especially helpful “caregivers corner” and lays out facts vs. fads. See the link below on quality indicators of an ABA program. Finally, check out her page that is dedicated to autism and ABA.
Quality Indicators of an ABA program
4) Dr. Mark Sundberg PhD BCBA-D
Mark Sundberg is the author of the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and the co-autor of the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS). He is a leader in the ABA/verbal behavior world and has published research articles and book chapters.
Information on the VB-MAPP Assessment
Mark Sundberg’s Evaluation Detailed ABA program Assessment
5) Dr. Vincent Carbone PhD BCBA-D
Dr. Carbone is also a leader in the ABA/Verbal Behavior world and has over 35 years of experience in the field. He has published numerous research articles on B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior and gives workshops world wide.
Brief Video of Dr. Vincent Carbone BCBA-D speaking on ABA/Verbal Behavior
Dr. Carbone’s workshop schedule
Dr. Carbone’s research and publications