MCPS connections program for ASD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a child in the elementary Connections program and it’s not ABA but there are positive reinforcers for working on daily goals etc. You could maybe call it ABA light or something but it’s not an ABA program. There is no BCBA and it’s not a skill and drill type setting. Also lots of ABA now is very naturalistic and more social/play based. Connections is an awesome program and I would encourage you to visit and get a feel for it.

ABA is a science and requires highly trained and knowledgeable staff that can individually tailor programs to individual needs. If there’s no BCBA oversight I wouldn’t call it ABA or ABA light or ABA anything. That’s how ABA gets all these misconceptions- by putting untrained staff in programs like this and labeling it ABA just so the school or provider can maintain a facade of best practices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a child in the elementary Connections program and it’s not ABA but there are positive reinforcers for working on daily goals etc. You could maybe call it ABA light or something but it’s not an ABA program. There is no BCBA and it’s not a skill and drill type setting. Also lots of ABA now is very naturalistic and more social/play based. Connections is an awesome program and I would encourage you to visit and get a feel for it.

ABA is a science and requires highly trained and knowledgeable staff that can individually tailor programs to individual needs. If there’s no BCBA oversight I wouldn’t call it ABA or ABA light or ABA anything. That’s how ABA gets all these misconceptions- by putting untrained staff in programs like this and labeling it ABA just so the school or provider can maintain a facade of best practices.

It's not a "misconception" if ABA programs are allowed to operate like this. It means the term ABA is meaningless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a child in the elementary Connections program and it’s not ABA but there are positive reinforcers for working on daily goals etc. You could maybe call it ABA light or something but it’s not an ABA program. There is no BCBA and it’s not a skill and drill type setting. Also lots of ABA now is very naturalistic and more social/play based. Connections is an awesome program and I would encourage you to visit and get a feel for it.

ABA is a science and requires highly trained and knowledgeable staff that can individually tailor programs to individual needs. If there’s no BCBA oversight I wouldn’t call it ABA or ABA light or ABA anything. That’s how ABA gets all these misconceptions- by putting untrained staff in programs like this and labeling it ABA just so the school or provider can maintain a facade of best practices.

It's not a "misconception" if ABA programs are allowed to operate like this. It means the term ABA is meaningless.

Of course it creates misconceptions- it is like finding out your doctor doesn’t have a license. You aren’t going to believe anything they said but you’re probably not going to completely write off medicine either. As with everything in life do your due diligence before trusting your child with someone. If you find out they’re operating without oversight then you should call them out and report them immediately.

[Anonymous]

Is the Connections program at Sligo Creek closing? What schools will it be at next year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the Connections program at Sligo Creek closing? What schools will it be at next year?

They’re moving the downcounty program from Sligo Creek to College Gardens. The upcounty program at Diamond ES will remain there.