Here is a comparison of Applied Behavior Analysis and The Son-Rise Program for Autism. The major differences between the autism treatment program’s principles and methodologies are summarized below.
ABA
(Applied Behavior Analysis)

Understanding of Autism
ABA
Sees Autism as a behavioral disorder, with behaviors to be either extinguished or reinforced. The Child needs structure and must learn to sit appropriately, follow a schedule, and comply with requests.
The Son‑Rise Program
Sees Autism as a social interactivity disorder, where the central deficit is relating to other people. Helping the child to be flexible and spontaneous enables him/her to handle change and enjoy human interaction.
Area of Focus
ABA
Changing the behavior of the child. Seeks to “extinguish” the child’s repetitive “stimming” behavior.
The Son‑Rise Program
Creating a relationship with the child. Uses the effective “joining” technique to participate in the child’s repetitive behavior.
Method of Teaching New Skills
ABA
Repetition – Uses discrete trials or similar method to prompt the child to perform a behavior (followed by a reward) over and over again until the child has demonstrated mastery.
The Son‑Rise Program
Motivation – builds the child’s own interests into every game or activity so that the child is excited, “comes back for more,” generalizes skills, and relates naturally rather than robotically.
Areas of Learning
ABA
Often focuses on academic skills. Sees academic areas such as math as an excellent way to help the child compensate for lack of social skills.
The Son‑Rise Program
Always teaches socialization first. Seeks not to help the child compensate for social skills deficits but rather to overcome them.
The Role of the Parents
ABA
Professionals are the major players, with parents having a more observational role.
The Son‑Rise Program
Parents are given the most central role, because their love, dedication, and experience with their child is unmatched.
The Role of the Facilitator’s Attitude
ABA
Sees attitude as largely irrelevant, with effective application of behavior shaping techniques being what matters.
The Son‑Rise Program
Sees attitude as vitally important, since having a non-judgmental and welcoming attitude determines whether the child feels safe and relaxed enough to interact and learn.
Our children are not “stuck” with neurological problems. Autism is not hard-wired. I know this as fact, for my own son fully recovered from autism to become the president of his 6th grade class (in a regular, mainstream school) thanks to my family’s adoption of the very principles of The Son-Rise Program. As a medical professional, I know that medicine today offers little to these children other than a dismal prognosis. It doesn’t have to be that way! Not only do many children completely recover using this program, but whole families change, grow, and thrive.
Wendy Edwards
M.D., Pediatrician, B.Sc.N. F.R.C. P. (C)
Can a call with a Son‑Rise Program Advisor
help you and your child?
YES – If you are a parent of a child of any age with Autism, Asperger’s, PDD or other Developmental difficulties | |
YES – If your child has just been diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s | |
YES – If you are looking for more effective, more suitable treatment for your child | |
YES – If you are a parent in a English speaking country | |
YES – If you have specific questions to ask a Son-Rise Program Advisor about your child |
To request a FREE call from a Program Advisor to learn how The Son‑Rise Program can help your child of any age challenged by Autism or Asperger’s, submit the form below.
To see a more detailed Autism treatment comparison, please visit our
knowledge-base article: The Son-Rise Program Vs. ABA.
Have any questions? Ask an Autism Expert
Learn more about Autism treatment and the differences between ABA and The Son-Rise Program by visiting our Autism Knowledge Base.
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