Is
ABA synonymous with “The Lovaas Method?
ABA and the Lovaas method
are not synonymous. Prior
to the work of pioneers like Lovaas, there were no effective treatments
to remediate language, play, and social deficits in children with
autism. The work of Lovaas
and others (e.g., Wolf, Risley, & Mees, 1964 and Risley & Wolf,
1967) demonstrated that children with autism could learn a great many
skills, some of which were notably complex, that would allow them to
lead more happy and independent lives.
However, ABA and the Lovaas Method are not synonymous.
Dr. Lovaas is one of the most well known (and rightly so)
researchers to apply the science of behavior analysis to the treatment
of children with autism. However,
many others have also applied the science of ABA to treat children with
autism. And, remember, ABA
based treatments are also applied in a much broader range of settings
and with a much broader range of people than children with autism.
