Another View on Autism Treatment Methodologies

As anyone with any interest in the subject is aware, ABA has become a very widely used and accepted method for treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Many jurisdictions have created substantial budgets to provide ABA early intervention for increasing numbers of children. Nonetheless, the success of the treatment does vary among patients, as the following suggests:

 In a 2009 review of 11 studies published from 1987–2007, the researchers wrote "there is strong evidence that EIBI (a type of ABA) is effective for some, but not all, children with autism spectrum disorders, and there is wide variability in response to treatment." Furthermore, any improvements are likely to be greatest in the first year of intervention.^[91] 

So there is definitely always room to look at alternatives to ABA, especially in cases where its results have appeared to be limited.  

One such alternative out there is the "Son-Rise" Program offered by the Autism Treatment Center of America. There is an interesting comparison of the two approaches on the link. According to their material, Son-Rise's strategy builds on relationships whereas ABA addresses behaviors more directly.

Son-Rise was the title of a book written in the '70s by Barry Kaufman, the father of an autistic boy. Kaufman and his wife Samahria went on to found the Autism Treatment Center of America and the techniques they use are based on what they developed to treat their autistic son.

Ontario announces $25 M new funding for ABA

The Ontario government announced $25 million in new funding for ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapy for autistic children yesterday.

The program is intended to benefit 8,000 children, although there has been no news about how these funds will be distributed. A current program, funded with $115 million, is currently treating 1,450 children with IBI therapy (Intensive Behaviour Intervention), while about 1,600 are on a waiting list.