The Effectiveness of Smart ABA (Smart Applied Behavior Analysis) in Teaching Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Reading the Arabic Alphabet

Abstract

Reading the Qur'an is an obligation for all Muslims without exception, starting with reading the Arabic Alphabet. However, it is a difficult skill in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Currently, there is no systematic, structured, and measurable teaching system for these skills for ASD children/individuals. This study aims to produce an effective and efficient way for ASD children/individuals to read the Arabic alphabet. This study implements the development of reading teaching using Smart ABA. This study used Single Subject Research. The subjects were five ASD children aged 2.8 to 7.19 years who underwent Smart ABA therapy at the KID ABA Autism Center Indonesia. Therapists had been competent as Smart ABA therapists through training and internship in tiered and gradual stages. Data analysis used graphic visual analysis. The results of this study showed that all subjects managed to master the ability to read 30 Arabic alphabets in 68.1 + 19.24 days (6.81 + 1.92 weeks). Smart ABA effectively and efficiently taught ASD children to read the Arabic alphabet. The results of this research can be applied worldwide by following the Smart ABA SOP.