DISCLAIMER
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
lovaas
This information sheet has been written to provide information on a particular intervention/approach and any research connected with it, not as a recommendation. The outcome of any approach will depend on the needs of the individual, which vary greatly, and the appropriate application of the intervention. An intervention that may help one individual may not be effective for another. It would therefore not be appropriate for the NAS to recommend any one particular practice or therapy.
lovaas: a parent’s view
Diane Fellows, mother of Oliver, describes the ups and downs of running a Lovaas-style home-based programme.
I am the mother of Oliver, a three and a half year old boy whom we were always led to believe had severe autism. We now know that Oliver's autism is only moderate but he did have severe compliance problems as well.
We have recently started a Lovaas or ABA home-based therapy programme and do about 30 hours a week. This has tackled his compliance and his autism and Oliver is now steadily overcoming both. Whilst I would not say that Lovaas is a miracle cure, I would say that it has helped improve our quality of life enormously.
Oliver will now respond to his name, come when asked, sit down when asked and he is generally more in our world. He is more compliant in every aspect of his life and is learning so fast that we are struggling to keep up with him. We have been astonished by how bright he is.
LOVAAS PROGRAM & DISCRETE TRAINING TRIALS
Discrete Trials were originally used in experimental studies with animals to demonstrate how learning was influenced by rates of reinforcement. The Lovaas program was developed by Ivaar Lovaas at the University of California and adapted as a therapy for developmentally delayed children and children with Autism. Ivar Lovaas has used discrete training trials to help children learn skills ranging from making eye contact and following simple instructions, to developing advanced language and social skills.
Discrete training trials are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis - children will be more likely to adopt behaviors when rewarded, and are less likely to adopt inappropriate behaviors for which they receive no reward or possibly a negative outcome. Lovaas programs are only run by practitioners who have been trained by the Lovaas Institute. The program is highly intensive with 40 hours or more spent each week with children on the autism spectrum.
