FAQ: TheSpectrum.org - Parent Resource Hub for ABA Therapy Information

What is TheSpectrum.org and who created it?

TheSpectrum.org is an online resource hub created by the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) that provides information, perspectives, and community support about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for parents of children with autism.

What is ABA therapy and how is it used for children with autism?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is an evidence-based treatment and teaching methodology based on decades of research into how people learn and what drives behavior, often prescribed for children with autism to help them develop various skills.

What specific resources does TheSpectrum.org offer to parents?

The platform provides conversations with parents, autism service providers, BCBAs and other experts, downloadable tools for treatment decision-making, evidence-based research on ABA’s effectiveness, and the ability to connect with BCBAs to ask general questions.

How is ABA therapy personalized for each child?

ABA treatment is highly individualized around each child’s strengths, autism symptoms, specific developmental challenges, as well as the family’s goals and preferences, meeting children where they are on the spectrum.

Where can ABA therapy be provided?

ABA therapy can be provided in various settings including clinics, schools, homes, and community settings.

What benefits can ABA therapy provide for children with autism?

ABA therapy can help children progress in communication, language ability, cognitive ability, academic skills, adaptive skills, and social interactive behavior, especially during crucial early developmental years.

Why was TheSpectrum.org created according to CASP’s CEO?

Lorri Unumb, CASP’s CEO, stated that TheSpectrum.org was created to clarify the conversation about ABA and provide a platform where parents can find answers to their questions and hear directly from experts, fellow parents, and adults with autism.

How does TheSpectrum.org address concerns about ABA treatment misinformation?

The platform offers counterevidence to widespread misinformation and negative narratives about ABA treatment that have proliferated online, particularly on social media, which often creates confusion and may deter families from exploring beneficial treatment options.

What is CASP and what role does it play in autism services?

The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) is a non-profit trade association of more than 425 autism service provider organizations that supports members by cultivating, sharing, and advocating for best practices in autism services, including developing clinical practice guidelines for ABA.

Where can I learn more about TheSpectrum.org and CASP?

You can learn more about TheSpectrum.org at TheSpectrum.org and about CASP at CASProviders.org.