WHAT IS FEAT?

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) is a not-for-profit (501 (c) (3)) organization of parents and professionals founded to help families with children with the diagnosis of autism or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).

FEAT of NC promotes the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as a proven, effective treatment for autism. The organization offers special programs focusing on issues concerning parents, autism professionals and persons specifically involved in ABA programs.

A group of parents founded FEAT in Sacramento, CA in 1993. Since then, concerned parents and professionals have founded over 30 individual FEAT organizations in the United States and Canada. FEAT of NC was founded in 1999.

WHY ABA?

ABA, often referred to as the "Lovaas method" or "DTT-discreet trial training," employs methods based on scientific principles of behavior to build socially useful repertoires and reduce problematic ones.

Extensive research shows that children with autism do not learn readily from typical environments, but many can learn a great deal given appropriate instruction using ABA. The premise of this method is that a child will repeat desired behaviors such as the use of language and appropriate social behaviors if they are followed by consequences the child enjoys, called reinforcers. Lessons range from rudimentary skills such as eye contact or sitting in a chair, to complex social skills such as peer group play.

Numerous researchers have conducted studies supporting the use of ABA to teach individuals with autism. In 1987, Dr. Ivar Lovaas of UCLA published the most well known study on the use of ABA with autistic children. In this experiment, 47 percent of the autistic children became "indistinguishable" from typically developing children of the same age.

FEAT of NC provides copies of the Lovaas study and many others that indicate that, at this point in time, the most effective treatment for children with autism is early and intensive intervention using ABA.

LEARNING MORE

Call us for FEAT of NC information sheets on frequently asked questions about ABA, recommended reading, research supporting ABA and program consultants serving North Carolina. If you would like to speak to a family in your area that is currently involved in an ABA program, call FEAT of NC at (336) 773-1377 or e-mail us at answers@featofnc.org and we’ll provide contact names for you. If you live outside of North Carolina, call our office and we will put you in touch with a FEAT organization in your area.

OBJECTIVES