Introduction

Families who require support for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental challenges, listen up! ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is one of the leading therapies for supporting those on the spectrum or children with developmental challenges within the Ontario school system. Children with these needs can benefit from ABA therapy, as it encourages positive behaviours, develops functional life skills, allows for verbal and nonverbal communication, and enhances social skills.

Durham District School Board (DDSB), York Region District School Board (YRDSB), Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and many other school boards in Ontario are creating more inclusive programs, placements, and services for students on the spectrum and those with developmental challenges. ABA therapy is now being provided within Ontario’s education system to implement ABA practices for children within their Individual Education Plans (IEP) to better support their learning goals and challenges within the school.

It is important to explore how individuals approach and partner with the School Boards to understand the integration of ABA therapy within schools. Finding how ABA can support students with these individualized needs needs to be recognized and better supported.

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is an evidence-based therapy and the gold standard of therapy when working with children on the spectrum. The principles of ABA therapy include reinforcement, shaping, prompting, fading, and data collection using the ABC method (Antecedents, Behaviour, and Consequences). ABA therapy is used to understand behaviours, behaviour modification, and generalization of skills for students to integrate within their daily lives as well as academic lives. Through reinforcement strategies, new skills are taught, and behaviours are improved. Positive behaviours, such as communication and social interaction, are to be increased, while challenging behaviours, such as aggression and self-injury, are to be reduced.

The Need for ABA Therapy in Ontario’s Schools

What are the Benefits of ABA Therapy in Ontario Schools?

There are many benefits to encouraging ABA therapy in schools, as challenging behaviours should be reduced and social skills should be gained. ABA, being an evidence-based practice, can help academically, socially, and behaviourally. Here are some areas in which ABA can help children and students with ASD when they are in their learning environment.

1. Enhancing Social Skills:

ABA therapy can enhance language skills and communication. This could be with an assisted device if the student is non-verbal or practicing social skills with other students in the class. Functional communication training can help students learn to communicate in various ways, including using PECs and PICs (various communications through pictures). This could be with playing games, taking turns and practicing having conversations. 

2. Regulating Challenges in Behaviours:

It can be hard for a child with ASD to have appropriate behaviours in the classroom (especially if they cannot communicate). ABA therapy can be useful in minimizing these behaviours by identifying the triggers before a tantrum or aggressive behaviour occurs. These behaviours can affect learning for all students in the classroom. Having a consistent routine and positive reinforcement may be necessary to minimize these behaviours. 

3. Literacy, Math, and Academic Progress:

Studies have shown very different profiles for children with ASD succeeding academically. Some studies show students with ASD are at risk for poor academic achievement. However, there are students with ASD with high IQs. ABA within the school system needs to be individualized according to the student’s needs to accommodate the child’s academic progress. It is up to the education professionals, teachers, and principals to update the child’s IEP to match and assess the level of students’ academic needs.  ABA strategies can also help students focus, complete tasks, and develop a better attention span.

4. Life Skills and Advocacy:

Incorporating life skills and self-advocacy with a student’s IEP can help a child be self-sufficient and provide them with better coping skills for everyday life. This can include asking for help, working on daily tasks, cooking, cleaning, dressing, and many other skills.

Ontario Classrooms and current ABA strategies

A comprehensive program planning process enhances the perspectives, information, and resources of parents, teachers, school boards, and community professionals. Ontario school boards have established school-based support teams that assist teachers in planning and implementing programs for students with special learning needs.

Students with diverse needs with ASD require a system with diverse approaches. A tiered approach allows for children to engage on a whole level. Tier 1 is good for all, Tier 2 is good for some, and Tier 3 is individualized.

Tier 1 is a Universal Design of Learning (UDL) approach used to develop instructional and assessment strategies, materials, and tools that respond to the needs of a particular student or group of students and that create inclusive, flexible, and accessible learning environments. Universality and Equity, Appropriately Designed Spaces, Flexibility and Inclusion, Simplicity, Safety, and Different Modes of Perception are UDL learning principles. Also considered in programming is Differentiated Instruction (DI), which emphasizes the strengths and areas of growth of a student. Tier 2 looks at short-term interventions for individuals or small groups of individuals. Tier 3 focuses on the individual students who require in-school team meetings and support from outside the classroom.

Classroom approaches include Check-in-Check-out, where an educational assistant or staff with good rapport with your child reminds the child of expectations before each transition throughout the day and at the end of instruction to ensure needs or behavioural expectations are met. Differential reinforcement is a strategy used to reinforce independent skills rather than prompted skills.

Data collection, individualized learning, remote access, and communication tools have greatly enhanced the delivery of ABA therapy in Ontario schools to be integrated into children’s IEPs. Collecting data and analyzing data is easier. Data is collected in real time and can be shared with parents effectively through various methods.

Integrating ABA services in schools and ABA providers is essential. Depending on the school’s funding, ABA professionals may be provided to assist teachers in implementing ABA strategies in their curriculum, and physical therapists/occupational therapists may also contribute resources.

Parents and Families Advocating for ABA Therapy in the School System

Advocating for your child within the school board is crucial to ensuring access to all resources. To achieve a student’s behavioral, social, and communication goals, family members must be included in tailoring the treatment. All professionals should communicate with parents to get accurate and individualized goals for children to achieve in school and home life. This can help generalize skills throughout various settings.

There are many supports and resources for parents in Ontario to receive training and workshops. Autism Ontario has a lot of school support videos, training, and resources to help start parents having discussions with the school, helping with school readiness, and providing students with varying needs. Schools can provide parents with training and resources as well. This can include school programs during the summer and more.

Consideration and Challenges of ABA in Ontario Schools

There are potential challenges in the implementation of ABA in schools, such as creating resources and the lack of ABA training with teachers, support staff, and other education workers. Professional Development is a consideration for those within the school board. However, not all educators take on this training.

Sometimes, there are miscommunications between professionals and families, so consistency and generalization between the school, therapists, and families are crucial to the success of the student’s goals.

Conclusion

ABA therapy is a valuable and effective tool in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges within Ontario’s education system. The integration of ABA practices into Individual Education Plans (IEPs) allows for the tailored support that each student needs, helping them thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally. As more school boards in Ontario continue to expand inclusive programs, ABA therapy offers the opportunity to address the unique needs of students, enhance their communication skills, regulate behavior, and equip them with essential life skills.

While challenges exist in the widespread implementation of ABA therapy, such as limited training for educators and a need for consistent communication between professionals and families, the potential benefits far outweigh these hurdles. Advocacy from families and collaboration between schools, therapists, and support staff is crucial to ensuring that students with ASD receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed. With continued investment in resources, training, and community partnerships, ABA therapy can make a profound difference in the lives of students and help build more inclusive, supportive learning environments for all.

Call to Action

With the growing diagnosis of ASD and with education growing in diverse students’ needs, The Insight Clinic has many therapists who can help you through both in-person and virtual services. At The Insight Clinic, we can help you manage burnout, depression, anxiety, and financial burdens, as well as provide resources for Autism & ABA therapy. If you are a parent struggling with managing the behaviours of a child with autism, are anxious, or are struggling with finding options, The Insight Clinic can provide you with a therapist to cope with the anxieties and struggles with using different therapy interventions.

You can reach out today to book an appointment with our skilled and trained therapists to help you gain understanding and develop healthier coping strategies when you are feeling anxious or developing these maladaptive thought patterns.

In collaboration with The Insight Clinic, ABA Academy leads with a focus on excellence and focuses on providing individual ABA interventions for your child’s growth in social, behavioural, and communicative growth. ABA Academy helps with emotional, physical, and developmental growth and milestones as well. ABA Academy provides high-quality, individualized, and effective services to help your child grow and learn from a fully licensed and qualified BCBA. Reach out today to see if ABA Academy is the right fit for your child’s ABA services and allows better transitions in schools.