What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

This chapter highlights the book's takeaways and suggests directions for research. It reviews the language deficits in autism, from vocabulary to grammar to pragmatics to extended discourse, and how these deficits vary across the spectrum. It then reviews what the efficacy data shows about the most effective approaches (particularly contemporary ABA), which prioritize systematic instruction with opportunities for naturalistic practice. The chapter also reviews how computerized instruction can supplement in-person instruction, particularly regarding grammar. It recalls, as well, the utility of AAC and assistive tools and the lack of utility of FC. Regarding future research, it discusses the need to investigate and optimize particular aspects of existing approaches—especially the language-teaching components of ABA—and to conduct efficacy studies of the numerous computerized language teaching programs. It concludes with the urgent need for new tools that address gaps in coverage, especially concerning socio-pragmatics and the instructional needs of nonverbal/minimally-verbal individuals.