The following are some of the key questions parents ask about ABI or Antecedent Based Intervention for Autism:
Antecedent based intervention (ABI) means changing what happens before a behavior (the antecedent), such as the environment, the task or the way instructions are given, so that a learner is less likely to become distressed. It is an “environment first” approach.
Q. How do I know which ABI strategy to use?
A. First, you will need a functional behavior assessment (FBA) to work out what the behavior is communicating, or what need it meets for the learner. This information will help you choose the strategy most likely to meet that need, so the behavior of concern is needed less often.
Q. How do I go about implementing ABI strategies across daily routines and activities?
A. The FBA will help you identify when and where the behavior of concern happens. As a result, you will know when to use the right ABI strategy. Creating an activity matrix will help you plan the support, including when and where it should happen and the person (or people) responsible for it.
Q. What do I do if the learner with ASD uses the interfering behavior when I begin implementing ABI during a particular activity?
A. Antecedent based intervention strategies are often used alongside other evidence-based practices such as reinforcement and extinction. If a learner with ASD shows the behavior when you first start an ABI strategy, it is often a sign that the change feels unfamiliar or that their need is not yet being met. Extinction means no longer providing the reinforcement that the behavior used to get. It can cause a short-term increase in distress, so it should only be used with guidance from a qualified professional, and always together with teaching the learner another way to communicate the same need. The aim is for the learner to get their needs met in a way that works for them and for the people around them.
Q. Are there any other evidence-based practices that I should use when implementing ABI?
A. First, an FBA should always be carried out before using ABI. The FBA will help you understand what the behavior is communicating, and which ABI strategies are most likely to address it. Other evidence-based practices often used alongside ABI include reinforcement, extinction, structured work systems and visual supports.
Q. What are some simple ABI strategies I can try at home?
A. Many ABI strategies are small changes to the environment: giving a warning before transitions, using a visual schedule, offering choices, reducing noise or clutter, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and building in your child’s interests. Start with the times of day that are hardest and change one thing at a time.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
