Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an approach that examines human behavior and uses scientific methods to modify these behaviors in a positive direction. It is based on learning principles and investigates why behaviors occur, how they are maintained, and how they can be changed. It is widely used in education, therapy, and the acquisition of daily living skills.

Hundreds of studies show that ABA is effective for autistic individuals of all ages. It is used in teaching communication, social skills, play, academic achievement, motor skills, and adaptive behaviors.

It is important to start ABA as soon as your child is diagnosed with autism. Especially with intensive intervention started in early childhood, many children are able to close the developmental gap with their peers.

No. This is a false belief. Autistic individuals may inherently show tendencies such as sticking to routines, exhibiting repetitive behaviors, and speaking in a monotone. This situation can be perceived as “robotization.” However, ABA, on the contrary, is applied to develop the individual's natural skills and acquire new ones.

ABA can be administered by graduates in psychology, special education, or related fields. In the US, these services are provided by specialists who have completed graduate education or certification programs.

In Turkey, the TOHUM Autism Foundation trains its instructors using the expertise it has acquired from the Princeton Institute for Child Development. In addition, master’s degree programs offered at Anadolu University are also training specialists in this field. The expansion of such programs is of great importance for increasing the availability of high-quality services in our country.

Yes. ESDM is effective in teaching play skills, just as it is in areas such as communication, social skills, academic achievement, and participation in community life.

For more information on teaching play skills, you can review the “Teaching Basic Skills → Playing” module on the TOHUM Autism Foundation Education Portal.

Frequently asked questions about the educational institution's structure, programs, and classroom layout.

The type of program is determined as a result of an educational assessment conducted by the guidance unit. Based on the student's needs, information is provided to the family about the session-based training program and related therapy services.

Children with autism often have difficulty initiating and maintaining communication. Increasing the class size also increases opportunities for students to interact with their peers.

A student asking a friend for a pencil, saying thank you, saying good morning, or playing a game together are very valuable skills for us. Therefore, peer interactions are especially encouraged in the classroom environment.

Training is provided five days a week in both our full-time education program and our support education program. There is no training on weekends.

Programs are determined based on assessments based on the PCDI curriculum, observations, and family interviews. Goals are reviewed together with families, and the annual educational program is created.

An individual assessment is conducted for each child. Our educational staff makes decisions based on the principle of the “least restrictive educational environment.” Recommendations are provided to the family, taking into account the child's special educational needs and their ability to be educated alongside their peers.

Frequently asked questions about supportive therapy services other than special education.

Yes. In addition to special education sessions, language and speech therapy and occupational therapy services are provided.

Frequently asked questions about the registration process, evaluation, RAM report, and program selection.

Our families must first schedule an evaluation appointment with the guidance department. Following the evaluation, eligible students are placed on a waiting list. At the end of the academic year, to fill the spots of departing students, enrollments are made through a public lottery held in the presence of a notary among students of the appropriate age group.

After an educational assessment conducted by our guidance unit, the type of program that is most suitable for your child is shared with the family.

Classes are conducted with systems that support student motivation. Focusing on the students' interests, these systems are gradually withdrawn over time to support their independence.

No. The initial assessment of the students is conducted by the guidance department, and then the registration process is initiated.

Frequently asked questions about family participation in the educational process, observation, and information processes.

Yes. Families are regularly included in special education and other therapy sessions. Thus, they both observe and develop study skills with their children.

Yes. Different practices are implemented to help families support their children's development.

• Regular home visits are made to the families of full-time students.
• Families participate in lessons, observe, and support classroom practices.
• Detailed information is provided to families at the end of each lesson.
• During individual meetings held at regular intervals, families' needs, the challenges they experience, and students' developments are evaluated.

Frequently asked questions about scholarship applications, payment processes, and pricing.

For scholarship application, you can contact our guidance unit by phone or email. Your questions will be answered during the preliminary information meeting and families meeting the scholarship requirements will be placed on the waiting list. When the scholarship opportunity arises, the family is invited to our guidance unit for an educational assessment. The information and assessment within the scholarship application is free of charge. Scholarships are distributed in accordance with the quota determined by the foundation management and scholarship committee at the end of the academic year.

Families residing in Istanbul and meeting the scholarship conditions are registered on the scholarship waiting list. The scholarship awarding process is managed every year by the Scholarship Committee. Since the duration varies depending on the budget and quota, a definitive time cannot be given.

No. The scholarship provided by the TOHUM Autism Foundation can only be used at the TOHUM Autism Foundation Educational Institutions.

Tuition fees are announced every year according to the schedule determined by the Ministry of National Education (MEB). For registration, our families are required to open an overdraft account through the designated bank. Payment methods such as cash, EFT, credit card, etc., are not accepted.

Frequently asked questions about the support provided to families living outside of Istanbul.

Our educational institution operates in Şişli, Istanbul. However, for families living outside of Istanbul, online consultations are conducted, and specialized education programs are prepared and provided for children based on the evaluation results.

You can contact our guidance department for more information.