CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Caravel Autism Health uses a method called "Applied Behavior Analysis" at clinics in Chicago and the suburbs.
Erica Smith, a clinic director, said that in addition to in-house sessions, therapists work with children and their families in the real world to help them learn the best ways for children with autism to cope with their daily routines.
"ABA breaks these skills down into really small teachable components," she explained. "We reinforce our children for the skills it is that we want to see them do again and again and again."
For example…
"We might be going to the grocery store, going to the movies or a fast food restaurant-teaching them how to pick something out, how to order it, how to exchange money," Smith said.
"We've taught kids how to tie their shoes, how to brush their teeth, how to get dressed independently."
ABA has proven long term benefits.
"Teaching these really foundational skills early on in life does completely set them up to have a strong quality of life, to be more independent, to building friendships and relationships, to work and find a job that's well suited for them," Smith said.
"We just see the impact in our day-to-day work, but then also kids as they grow five, 10, 15 years from now."
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