Question 1

What is autism?

Accepted Answer

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), describes differences in how individuals communicate, experience social interaction, process sensory information, and engage with personal interests. Autistic people may experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to stimuli such as light and sound, and engage in repetitive behaviours such as stimming to support self-regulation. Autism is not something to be cured or fixed, but an inseparable part of how an individual experiences and interacts with the world.

Question 2

What is ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding behaviour and teaching meaningful life skills such as communication, social skills, and daily living skills. It uses structured, data-informed strategies and positive reinforcement to facilitate learning and independence.

Question 3

Is ABA therapy harmful?

Accepted Answer

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a systematic, evidence-informed approach based on the science of learning and behaviour. It focuses on understanding behaviour and teaching meaningful skills that support an individual's participation, independence and safety. ABA therapy can help children develop communication, social, daily living and school readiness skills, as well as address behaviours of concern. By analysing why behaviours occur, practitioners develop individualised teaching strategies using techniques such as reinforcement and prompting. Skills are taught step-by-step, with support gradually reduced to promote independence in everyday situations.

Question 4

What are social stories?

Accepted Answer

Social stories are short narratives designed to help individuals understand social situations, including the perspectives of others and possible responses. Originally developed by Carol Gray in 1990, social stories make implicit social information more explicit, supporting understanding and reducing uncertainty around everyday experiences. Not all social stories use the same approach. ABA-based social stories emphasise clear behavioural instruction to support meaningful skill development. Developed by a Certified Behaviour Analyst, Cognitive Framing Stories™ (CoFS™) use concise language, relevant photographs and practical scripts to break complex situations into small, teachable steps. Each booklet also includes activities to extend learning, supporting autistic children to develop communication, social understanding and greater independence in everyday life.

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