Lovaas Institute

The Lovaas Institute provides behavioral treatment utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis. The Lovaas Model of Applied Behavior Analysis has undergone rigorous research at UCLA under the direction of Dr. Lovaas, proving its effectiveness in treating children with autism. Treatment follows the procedures described by Dr. Ivar Lovaas, published along with long-term outcome data in peer-reviewed journals, and supported by additional long-term outcome research as recently as 2006. Although children may have the same diagnosis of autism, they evidence considerable individual differences necessitating that the treatment be adjusted to each child's capacity and needs. The Lovaas Institute provides competent and qualified personnel to help develop a child's language and social interactions with parents and peers while reducing interfering behaviors such as tantrums. Instructors and parents begin treatment by interacting with a child through one-on-one activities in order to establish rapport and develop constructive and positive relationships. POSTIVE INTERACTIONS are first developed through the use of favorite activities and responding to any attempts to communicate. MOTIVATION is encouraged through the use of familiar materials and child-specific reinforcers. SUCCESS is promoted through positive reinforcement of successive approximations and prompting and fading procedures. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT is critical. Parents are empowered through training and collaboration to create an environment in which treatment is provided most of a child's waking hours, at home, at school, and in the neighborhood. REQUESTING is developed as early as possible. Learning to talk and understand vocal LANGUAGE is considered a fundamental part of social development. IMITATION is also crucial, allowing a child to learn by observing other children learn. And finally, social interactions and cooperative PLAY are integral to treatment. Facilitated play occurs first with siblings and then with peers during play dates and at school.