What is Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention?

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

This therapy promotes learning, skill development and behaviour change by breaking tasks into small steps that are easier for children to learn. As children learn each step, they’re praised and rewarded. Challenging behaviour is usually ignored when it happens.

Who is Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention for?

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is used with autistic preschoolers.

What is Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention used for?

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is used to help autistic children learn new skills and behaviour. These skills and behaviour take the place of challenging behaviour that negatively affects children or other people.

EIBI also helps children:

• learn to imitate
• focus their attention more
• improve their understanding and use of language
• develop their play skills and daily living skills.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy can be delivered in a way that respects neurodiversity, works with children’s strengths and emphasises the importance of positive reinforcement in changing behaviour.

Where does Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention come from?

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

The ABA principles this therapy is based on grew from learning theory and the theory of behavioural psychology, both of which have been around since the early 1900s. Learning theory suggests that how people behave in a situation depends on their previous experiences of similar situations.

What is the idea behind Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention?

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is based on the theory that you can teach skills in a methodical way to help autistic children learn new skills and behaviour.

What does Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention involve?

In general, Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) therapy involves the following steps:

• Assess the child’s current skills and difficulties.
• Develop an individualised program for the child.
• Implement the program using specific teaching methods to build skills.
• Measure the skills you’re focusing on to see whether the program is working.
• Evaluate progress, making changes as needed.

EIBI programs take a lot of time. They can be 20 hours a week or more, possibly for several years. Parents are directly involved in children’s programs. Children might get the therapy in a centre, home, clinic, school or other setting.

A child’s program should focus on building skills, rather than on getting rid of behaviour like flapping, spinning or stimming. Many autistic children find this type of behaviour calming.

ABA and EIBI programs should involve free time, relaxing activities and opportunities for children to have their emotional needs met. These programs shouldn’t involve punishment.

Does Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention help autistic children?

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles, which research shows can be effective for helping autistic children learn a range of skills. We don’t yet know whether all autistic children benefit from EIBI in the same way.

Some autistic adults and parents of autistic children say that ABA has made a positive difference in their lives or the lives of their children. But many autistic adults say that ABA is harmful and traumatising and shouldn’t be used. Some of this criticism reflects how ABA was used in the past, although there are current uses of ABA that can be criticised for similar reasons.

Who practises Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention?

Professionals with experience and training in behaviour analysis practise this therapy . These professionals include psychologists. Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) providers must be trained.

Where can you find a practitioner?

Your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child can help you find an EIBI provider.

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.

Parent education, training, support and involvement

If your child is using Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) therapy, you’re expected to be actively involved. Providers should give you specialised training, education and support.

Cost considerations

The costs of Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) therapy vary depending on how many hours your child does the therapy each 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 using EIBI therapy in children’s NDIS plans. 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.