Autism Partnership Method (APM)
A FLEXIBLE Approach to Autism Research and Effective Clinical Practice since 1994
At Autism Partnership (AP), we adopt our very own treatment method called, Autism Partnership Method (APM™).
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AP Method™ is a progressive model of ABA and is a high-quality treatment approach for ASD.
It is based on nearly 30 years of research and effective clinical practice. In contrast to conventional ABA, the AP Method™ focuses on “in-the-moment analysis” and “clinical judgement” and is a highly flexible, yet systematic and compassionate approach, meeting the individual needs of people with ASD.
AP Method™ is not a cookie cutter approach. It does not follow a set recipe. It recognizes a child, and thus the treatment, changes from moment to moment.
AP Method™ provides intervention in multiple settings, so that treatment gains can transfer to the home, school, playground, store, work, and the community.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
ABA is a high-quality treatment approach for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It is based on more than 60 years of scientific research and effective clinical practice. ABA is the most widely recognized and scientifically proven treatment for ASD.
ABA uses an understanding of why behavior occurs to address a wide range of social issues, including helping individuals to learn. It uses laws of behavior that have been experimentally demonstrated, and it uses clearly defined procedures to specify how to change behavior. The primary focus of ABA is on behavior that is important to individuals, in terms of enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives.
How are we different from Conventional ABA?
AP Method™ provides comprehensive treatment dealing with all areas of learning, including social skills, communication, play, and independent living, while addressing behaviors that interfere with learning. In contrast, Conventional ABA is more limited in its scope and does not address the whole person.
Is all ABA the same? Why is Autism Partnership different?
While all ABA may be founded on the same foundational principles, not all ABA is alike.
ABA can take various forms depending upon the individual or agency providing the service. In addition to the skill level of the provider, there are technical and stylistic differences in implementation.
At AP, our treatment method is highly clinically driven and utilize procedures that have been developed out of working with children and from our research center. Our curriculum is all-inclusive focusing on critical foundation skills including managing behaviors, communication, social, learning-how-learn, and self-help skills. We teach in a fun and innovative way with natural reinforcements that motivate children to learn and make rapid progress.
Compassionate and Empathetic
It is essential for clinicians to build a strong therapeutic partnership with families.
The APM™ focuses on:
- Developing strong and natural reinforcers so that learning can be easily transferred to the real world.
- Helping children so that they learn not only in 1:1 situation, but in small and large groups.
- Helping children learn in natural settings, that includes the types of distractions that occur in schools and the community.
- Focusing on the whole child, not only is communication and academics important but teaching children all the skills they need to develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships. This includes developing social and play skills.
- Teaching children the skills that will allow them to become truly independent. Learning how to monitor their own behaviors is essential for maximizing quality of life.
- Recognizing the need to provide counselling services for children, siblings and parents.
- Providing therapy in natural forms so that children develop natural language and can engage with the natural world.
- Training parents, teachers, and family members the necessary skills so that they can facilitate success.
A method supported by promising treatment results
Key Elements to Achieve the Best Outcomes by Children with ASD
There are several studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for people diagnosed with ASD, including a study conducted by Autism Partnership (2011). In these studies, the children with the best possible outcomes had these key elements in common:
- Treatment Intensity
- Intensive Supervision
- Parental Expertise
- Consistency of Treatment
- Utilizing Quality Intervention: APM
