Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a method of studying and managing behaviour to bring about change. When a behaviour is followed by some sort of reward, the behaviour is more likely to be repeated, positive reinforcement is one such principle.
ABA uses these techniques to bring about meaningful and positive change in behaviour. This is often used with children with autism, but it can also be used with students with learning disabilities, children with behavioural difficulties, and those with attention deficit disorders.
Jacqueline Abela DeGiovanni will lead a one-day course on ABA on May 1 from 9.30am to 4.30pm. The course is suitable for parents, teachers, child carers, learning support assistants and caregivers.
Abela DeGiovanni is director of Hand in Hand Malta and has her own private practice, which offers therapy to children and their families. She delivers ABA and play therapy training to professionals both in Malta and abroad. She is also a course director with the UK Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy.
She has worked in the area of disability for the past 16 years. She has worked at the Eden Foundation and Razzett tal-Ħbiberija in Malta before moving to Holland where she worked at the Amsterdam International Community School as a special educational needs coordinator.
Relocating to Ireland, she first worked in a child development centre and then in a rehabilitation centre for people with acquired brain injury. She also trained in basic ABA and as an accredited play therapist and creative arts supervisor.
She has furthered her training in Brief Solution Focused Therapy and has also undergone training in the UK in working therapeutically with parents, carers and infants.
The course fee is €70 per person, excluding lunch.
To book, call Hand in Hand Malta on 7947 4692 or e-mail handinhand.mlt@gmail.com.