ABA in UK

[Rania87]

Hi everyone new member here so please be kind 😊
I have 2 boys one of them diagnosed autistic and referred for ADHD. I came across ABA therapy and I am so overwhelmed from the little I read I don't really know what to do.
What I would like to ask if there are any parents/ carers here who are involved with aba if they could kindly share some information of where i should start from, what to look for?
My boy is 6yo in year 1 and has ehcp he is attending a ARP provisional in a mainstream school.
Thank you all
Ourania

My children don't have autism, but I'm an ABA practitioner working in a specialist ABA school, so I may be able to help.

There are two primary routes through which you can access ABA in the UK - through school placement and through home programming. Is your 6 year old coping well where he is, or are you thinking of changing provision? If you can give me a rough idea where you are geographically and what you're looking for (home based services, or a change in placement) I can give you more information. I know it's quite overwhelming at first!

Are you looking for information specifically about how to get started, or about what ABA based interventions involve?

ABA is generally very unpopular in the UK, it is more of an American thing

I tried ABA with my son who responds well to the idea of a reinforcement in order to do actions and pay attention when learning. Its useful for sure but i feel actual speech + language plus aba techniques in the speech and language is better than just aba. Speech language + o.t target how the child thinks. And how to improve their cognition naturally as they learn why they r doing the things we ask of them. Aba alone is a bit more like do this do that....without context sometimes. You need to combine them the therapies into 1 i feel. Thats what iv done. Its definitely helped though especially with things he hates doing like everyday hygiene tasks and following school rules

Thank you for your reply.
My boy is happy where he attends a mainstream school but he is in the narp provision and also has a ehcp.
I was thinking doing at home.
We are based in UK in East London.
It is really overwhelming and I don't even know if it would work for my boy I am still learning and have a lot to learn so any info you can please share would be very appreciated.
Thank you .

@Rania87

Thank you for your reply. My boy is happy where he attends a mainstream school but he is in the narp provision and also has a ehcp. I was thinking doing at home. We are based in UK in East London. It is really overwhelming and I don't even know if it would work for my boy I am still learning and have a lot to learn so any info you can please share would be very appreciated. Thank you .

@Somebunny

Firsttimeasdmom- definitely agree that speech and language and OT input are really important.
What I would say though is that any ABA program that only presents instructions in a do this do that format, without generalising the skills to the context where those skills are actually going to be used by the child is incomplete at best. What you are describing sounds like DTT, and is only one technique for teaching. If you are considering an ABA programme, you can talk to your BCBA about how they will plan for the generalisation of the targets set for your child - we are supposed to know how we're going to approach this from the beginning.

Im glad your little boy is doing well where he is. There will be a few options for home programmes in London.

If you want to set up your own programme, then you can find a BCBA in your area (board certified behaviour analyst) through the BACB website. This tends to be a little less expensive. There are lots of companies who offer these services and will connect you with a BACB in your area, and supply tutors to run your program, but I think this tends to cost a bit more. Some of the more established companies I know of are Child Autism UK and Beam ABA who will definitely serve your area, but I'm sure there are lots more.

I don't personally consult on home programmes, so you may find this website useful to help you with getting started www.abaa4all.com/

Are you thinking of ABA to help with skill building, or because of behavioural challenges (or both?)

Hi I am considering ABA as a skill building method there are no issues with his behaviour. My boy is 6 diagnosed autistic and referred for ADHD , doing echolalia . I thought it may help with life skills plus his speech. Mind me I may be wrong. Just a mom overwhelmed with all the information.

Oh no you're not wrong at all. ABA can absolutely help with both communication and life skills. Those are are great goals for a home programme, because he'll be able to practise the life skills in the environment where he actually need to use them. A good consultant will work with you to develop goals for your son, and will share strategies and techniques with you to encourage to use the skills he builds when they aren't there.

I'm sure it's all really overwhelming at first. Do you know any other parents through your son's school who are doing a home programme? They may be able to help with recommendations.

No unfortunately I am all by myself, noone around me doing or having knowledge for ABA. I spoke with a lady claiming she is a supervisor; and I was told that basically I need a team of 3 people who will work with my kid plus to visit and work with the school if they are accepted so both will do the same strategies;. Have you heard that? Also do you know a cost roughly if I was to start?

@Firsttimeasdmom

I tried ABA with my son who responds well to the idea of a reinforcement in order to do actions and pay attention when learning. Its useful for sure but i feel actual speech + language plus aba techniques in the speech and language is better than just aba. Speech language + o.t target how the child thinks. And how to improve their cognition naturally as they learn why they r doing the things we ask of them. Aba alone is a bit more like do this do that....without context sometimes. You need to combine them the therapies into 1 i feel. Thats what iv done. Its definitely helped though especially with things he hates doing like everyday hygiene tasks and following school rules

Agree 100%