What is Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI)?
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
It promotes learning, skill development and behaviour change by breaking complex skills into small steps and teaching those steps to children one at a time. Children get rewards as they learn new steps and skills, which encourages them to keep using the skills.
Who is EIBI for?
EIBI is used with autistic preschoolers. Children usually start EIBI when they’re between 2 and 4 years of age.
What is EIBI used for?
EIBI is used to help autistic children learn new skills and behaviour. It might also be used to replace challenging behaviour that negatively affects children or other people.
EIBI can be used to help children:
- learn to imitate
- better focus their attention
- improve their understanding and use of language and academic skills
- develop their play skills and daily living skills.
ABA approaches like EIBI can help autistic children develop skills and independence. But these approaches should always be used in a way that respects neurodiversity, works with children’s strengths and rewards positive behaviour change.
Where does EIBI come from?
EIBI is based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
ABA focuses on increasing positive behaviour and reducing negative behaviour. It does this by reinforcing or rewarding positive behaviour so that it’s more likely to happen again. Negative behaviour doesn’t get any attention, which means it’s less likely to happen again.
ABA itself is based on a theory of learning called behaviourism. This theory was developed in the 1900s.
What is the idea behind EIBI?
EIBI is based on the idea that you can teach behaviour or skills by breaking them into smaller steps. This makes the skill or behaviour easier to learn.
EIBI uses repetition, so children have plenty of opportunities to learn and practise new skills. EIBI also uses rewards to encourage children to learn and use new skills. This is based on the idea that behaviour that’s rewarded will happen more frequently, whereas behaviour that isn’t rewarded will happen less frequently.
What does EIBI involve?
EIBI usually involves the following steps:
- Assess the child’s current skills and difficulties.
- Develop an individualised program for the child, including clear goals.
- Implement the program using specific teaching methods to build skills.
- Regularly measure the skills you’re focusing on to see whether the program is working.
- Evaluate progress, making changes as needed.
EIBI programs can be play based and relaxed, or they can be more structured with direct instructions and expected responses. It depends on children’s needs and goals.
ABA and EIBI programs should allow space for a child to have free time and time to do fun and relaxing activities they enjoy.
Children might do their programs in a centre, home, clinic, school or other setting.
EIBI programs take a lot of time. They can be 20 hours a week or more, possibly for several years.
Does EIBI help autistic children?
EIBI is based on ABA principles. Research shows that ABA can be effective for helping some autistic children learn a range of skills. Research has also shown that EIBI can help improve thinking, communication, play and daily living skills.
Not all autistic children benefit from EIBI in the same way, and some can find it difficult to use the skills they’ve learned in EIBI in daily life. These children will need support to use their skills at home and in other environments.
Some autistic adults and parents of autistic children say that ABA has made a positive difference to their lives. But some critics say that ABA forces autistic children to conform to neurotypical norms and doesn’t let autistic children be themselves. Past uses of ABA and some present uses can be criticised for this reason.
Which professionals offer EIBI?
Professionals with experience and training in behaviour analysis can offer EIBI. These professionals include psychologists. EIBI therapists must be trained.
Where can you find an EIBI therapist?
Your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child can help you find an EIBI therapist.
You can find psychologists by going to Australian Psychological Society – Find a psychologist.
You could also talk about this approach with your NDIA planner, early childhood partner or local area coordinator, if you have one.
How are parents involved in EIBI?
If your child is doing an EIBI program, you’re expected to be actively involved. You might be involved in therapy sessions or coached to use strategies at home with your child. EIBI therapists should give you specialised training, education and support.
How much does EIBI cost?
The costs of EIBI vary depending on how many hours are in your child’s program per week, whether therapy is one to one or group based, and how much supervision is involved.
You might be able to include the cost of EIBI in your child’s NDIS plan. You can contact the NDIS to find out.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.