Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. What do you think

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I have done some research on this particular therapy and it seems to be touted by the psychological proffessionals as an effective therapy for autism/Asperger's but I wonder if any of you know more and what are your opinions on it?

Weather

Nope.
Too stupid.
I don't know nothing 'bout it.

I know that there will soon be a whole bunch of posts telling you how bad it is.

I think that it has a negative history and is often taken to mean "discrete trial" which is pretty harsh and not done as much.

As a parent of a young child with severe autism rather than AS integrating the ABA theories into more natural methods is effective.

It is the only scientifically proven method pof teaching essential skills.
The old discrete trial methods, and the punishment/reward methods are not something I would consider...

I agree. ABA techniques are useful for teaching particular skills. But then you need another type of approach to teach the child how and why to use those skills.

Absolutely! My wife and I have shied away from several proposed treatments. We are both softies and things like chelation and discrete trial were things we said emphatic noes to when suggested.

My son plays games with his therapist that are based on the theories of ABA. He does it right he gets a prize, if he does it wrong he does it again, or does an activity to help build the skill. He enjoys it and looks forward to it and he is learning important things like be gentle with the baby, and pet the dog instead of pulling fur. Not things he should learn through trial and error.

They are also using ABA techniques to do things like mouth movements to aid in speech. He has a mush mouth way of speaking and many people can't understand him. The therapist plays a game where he moves his tongue as instructed. It is a game he enjoys and is happy playing. If he doesn't want to do something he makes it pretty clear.