Kathy and Calvin offer a great set of FAQs and insights into ways to use applied behavior analysis to accelerate learning, including for students assigned to special education programs, including for students with autism. Mobile PC software developers can refine their understanding of ways to accelerate learning by reviewing these FAQs. I use ABA principles when reading posts on education blogs as well as reviewing education curricula, texts, and software.
I’d be interested in knowing more about how ABA helps autistic students
You bring up an excellent point. A large body of experimental (e.g., hypothesis testing classic pre-post tests with E and C SS)research literature exists about ABA. Check out http://kathyandcalvin.com/aba2 for useful summaries and links to accessible sites. In general, ABA rests on the assumption that all behavior is learned. Some learning does not meet social standards used to define “normal” behavior. Technicians use the same principles of learning so any learner can modify his or her behavior, irrespective of background, diagnosis of abnormality, etc. As use of these principles varies, so do results. Sophisticated users can sometimes see rapid changes in Ss behavior.