Noah is a bright and curious boy who loves puzzles and trains. He lives with his parents and older brother. Noah was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age 3 and has significant delays in speech and social interaction.
Presenting Issues:
- Limited Communication: Noah was non-verbal and relied on pulling his parents' hands or crying to express his needs. This frustration often led to meltdowns.
- Social Isolation: Noah showed little interest in playing with other children, preferring to play alone in a corner. He struggled to make eye contact or respond to his name.
- Rigid Routines: Noah had a strong need for sameness and would become extremely distressed if his daily routine was disrupted or if his toys were moved.
The Challenge
For Noah’s parents, the inability to communicate with their son was heartbreaking. They felt disconnected and worried about his future.
Impact at Home & School:
- At Preschool: Noah’s lack of communication made it difficult for him to participate in group activities. He often wandered off during circle time and struggled to follow simple instructions. Teachers were concerned about his readiness for primary school.
- At Home: Daily routines like mealtime and bedtime were a struggle. Noah’s frustration with not being understood often resulted in long, intense tantrums that left the whole family exhausted.
- Social Impact: Noah’s older brother wanted to play with him but didn't know how to engage. This lack of sibling connection was a source of sadness for the family.
Before daar, we felt like we were living in separate worlds. ABA therapy gave us the bridge to reach Noah. Hearing him say 'mama' for the first time was a miracle we'll never forget.
daar Therapy Approach
Noah’s family turned to daar for a structured, evidence-based solution. We implemented an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy program tailored to Noah’s unique needs and interests.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): We used DTT to break down complex skills into small, teachable steps. For example, we started by teaching Noah to point to pictures of his favorite items to request them.
- Natural Environment Training (NET): We incorporated learning into Noah’s play. If he was playing with trains, we would use that opportunity to teach him colors, counting, and turn-taking.
- Functional Communication Training (FCT): We introduced a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to give Noah a voice. He learned to exchange a picture card for the item he wanted, reducing his frustration.
- Social Skills Training: We facilitated structured playdates with peers, guiding Noah on how to share, take turns, and make eye contact.
- Parent Training: We empowered Noah’s parents with ABA strategies to use at home, ensuring consistency and reinforcing learning throughout the day.
Results and Progress
The structured yet flexible nature of ABA therapy unlocked Noah’s potential. As he gained the ability to communicate, his frustration decreased, and his personality began to shine.
Measurable Improvements:
- Communication Growth: Noah now uses over 50 words and simple phrases to request items and express his feelings. He has transitioned from PECS to verbal communication for many needs.
- Social Engagement: Noah actively participates in circle time at preschool and has started to initiate play with his brother and peers.
- Reduced Meltdowns: The frequency of tantrums has decreased by 85% as Noah can now communicate his wants and needs effectively.
- School Readiness: Noah is now able to follow two-step instructions and sit for 15 minutes during group activities, making him much more prepared for primary school.
Key Outcomes
Noah’s journey highlights the effectiveness of ABA therapy in fostering development and independence.
- Communication is Key: Giving a child a way to communicate reduces frustration and behavioural issues.
- Individualized Learning: Tailoring the program to the child’s interests makes learning fun and effective.
- Early Intervention Works: Starting therapy early can significantly improve outcomes and school readiness.
Conclusion
Every child has the potential to learn and grow. At daar, our Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) programs are designed to unlock that potential, one step at a time. We believe in a compassionate, child-centered approach that celebrates every milestone.
If you are looking for evidence-based support to help your child thrive, we are here to help.
Ready to unlock your child's potential?
Contact daar today to discuss how our ABA therapy services can support your child's development.