Our Services

Autism Behavioural Intervention NSW (ABI NSW) provides services for families who have a child  (aged 1-18) diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or has symptoms of ASD as well as Global Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome or a child experiencing challenging behaviour.

Our unique model of intervention uses a contemporary approach to implement Applied Behaviour Analysis to improve the quality of life of your child and the family unit. We use a family centred model to build on your family’s strengths. We work together in partnership with you to create the optimal learning environment for your child. We believe that the best interventions are the ones that empower families by giving you the tools to create change in your own lives.

In order to truly enhance your family’s quality of life, the unique needs of your child and family must be considered.  Planning and support will extend beyond your child to include not only your immediate family but your child’s entire support community.

At ABI NSW we are a multidisciplinary team of Special Educators, Occupational Therapists, Child and Family Counsellors, Senior Psychologists and an Intern Psychologist.  ABI NSW programs are based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in order to decrease challenging behaviour and increase appropriate behaviours.  ABI NSW uses the principles of ABA to provide parents/caregivers and professionals with a "tool belt of strategies" that they can use to independently and successfully manage challenging behaviour and teach new, appropriate skills to children with autism.

ABI’s Family Focused Philosophy:

We are family focussed in terms of goal setting but also in seeking to empower parents, siblings, grandparents and any other persons in a child's life to deal with the challenges and demands of the child with ASD. This means that parents/caregivers determine the goals of their program in consultation with a qualified Behaviour Support Educator.  Sessions are planned flexibly around what suits the family best, family members (often parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, family friends) are trained in providing the interventions to the child/children and parents/caregivers are present at and participate in the assessment and planning process for their child's program.  Goals and strategies are embedded into everyday routines and activities in order to ensure successful management by the family.

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

ABA is based on well researched principles of behaviour and learning.  It is currently the best known method for teaching appropriate behaviours and reducing problematic behaviours in children with ASD.  By definition, ABA refers to applying the principles of behaviour to socially important issues to produce practical change.  This means that ABA focuses on the development of socially appropriate and functional behaviour and the reduction of problematic behaviours.

Sound familiar?

• “My child never comes to me when I call him.”
• “My child screams a lot and I don’t know why”
• “My child doesn’t seem to know how to play with toys, when I give him a car he’ll just look at the wheels”
• “My child has tantrums when she wants something”
• “My child doesn’t look at me or say hello”

Teaching strategies and techniques based on the principles of ABA can be used to manage challenging behaviour, increase appropriate behaviour and teach new skills.

Our individualised assessment and planning covers the following target areas;

• Reduction of Challenging Behaviour
• Communication Skills
• Increasing attention
• Pre-academics and Academics
• School Skills
• Play Skills
• Socialisation and Relationship Building
• Gross and Fine motor skills
• Self Help / Independent Living Skills
• Community Access Skills

In order to understand, predict and change behaviour it is important to first understand how behaviour works. ABA is concerned with observing and modifying what happens before and after behaviour in order to create effective behavioural change.