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Dylan started play-based ABA in January 2014 when he had just turned 4. Prior to this, we have been using the flashcard method (rote learning way) to teach him which we found Dylan quickly grasping, but needed a lot of effort from us as parents to keep him motivated and focused on his tasks. In addition, he language skill is limited and we found it challenging to prompt him to request for anything around him when he seemed so aloof.
(Photo above: So interested at the pet store, during a supervised community trip to the shopping mall.)
Intan was truly a blessing to Dylan when she introduced play-based ABA. Dylan has since shown tremendous step-by-step improvement in the areas of cooperation, compliance, cognition, language and community skills. Play-based ABA offers a home-based therapy which has the fundamental ABA principles coupled with many funfilled activities and practical strategies which are tailored to Dylan's needs and interests. Typically for Dylan, his therapy covers table time, floor time activities (book reading, play dough, etc.), play time (Thomas train, bubbles, etc.) and physical activities (fitness ball, throwing beanbags into basket) and community trips. Overall, play-based ABA keeps Dylan well-engaged during therapy especially in the areas of eye contact and language content, and most importantly, builds his love for learning and interaction.
(Photo above: Practicing staying close to a family member in public, without needing to hold hands.)
As with any 4-year-old, Dylan loved the outdoors and enjoys going to the shopping malls, However, bringing him out was a challenging task for us as he used to dash about to anything and everything that interest him and occasionally wandered off from family members. Sometimes, there were also moments of meltdowns in the crowded places. The introduction of supervised community trips, such as to a shopping mall in Dylan's case, definitely plays a pivotal role in overcoming these problems. The community trips help groom Dylan to behave appropriately and eventually ensure safety in those environments. Moreover, the trips allow Dylan to apply functional skills beyond the comfort of his home. As a bonus, we get the chance to enjoy every minute of time spent with him in the outdoors.
Team meetings are held at least once a month between parents/carers, therapists, and Intan. The meetings provide in-depth communication about Dylan's progress and challenges. Any new problems, obstacle or resistance are discussed, In addition, the meetings allow feedback and ideas from parents' perspectives to be incorporated into the programs as such the ABA programs are individualised to suit Dylan in order to achieve the best outcomes.
In short, we are pleasantly grateful to be part of this play-based ABA therapy in helping Dylan in the journey of life-long learning,
-Parents in Kuala Lumpur, 2014
*****both photos published with parents' permission*****
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