What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that helps us understand and change how people behave. It's based on how people learn and act.
How ABA Helps Us Understand Behavior
ABA helps us understand:
How behavior works
How behavior is affected by the environment
How learning happens
Goals of ABA Therapy
Increase helpful behaviors: Focuses on identifying and reinforcing positive behaviors to enhance independence and success in various environments. This includes improving communication, social skills, academic performance, and daily living activities through systematic positive reinforcement.
Decrease harmful behaviors: Aims to reduce harmful or disruptive behaviors by understanding their causes and applying strategies to minimize or eliminate them. This helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms for a safer and more productive lifestyle.
How ABA Therapy Helps
Improve language and communication skills: Strengthen the ability to express and understand language effectively.
Enhance attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics: Boost cognitive and social abilities for better learning and interaction.
Reduce problem behaviors: Minimize undesirable behaviors for effective problem resolution.
How ABA Therapy Works
ABA therapy uses different techniques to change behavior. It is flexible and can be used:
At home
At school
In the community
With one-on-one teaching or group instruction
Positive Reinforcement
One main strategy in ABA is positive reinforcement. This means giving a reward when someone does a good behavior, making it more likely they will do it again.
For example:
The therapist sets a goal behavior.
When the person does the behavior, they get a reward, like praise or a toy.
This encourages the person to keep doing the good behavior.
Understanding Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence (A-B-Cs)
ABA looks at three steps to understand and teach behavior:
Antecedent: What happens before the behavior (like a request or a sound).
Behavior: The response to the antecedent (like saying "no").
Consequence: What happens after the behavior (like removing toys).
By changing the antecedents and consequences, we can help teach better behaviors.
What an ABA Program Includes
A good ABA program is made for each person. A behavior analyst (BCBA) designs and oversees the program, which includes:
Detailed assessments
Specific treatment goals
Teaching steps from simple to complex
Regular progress checks
Who Provides ABA Services?
ABA services are provided by board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and trained therapists. To become a BCBA, one needs:
A master's degree or PhD in psychology or behavior analysis
Passing a national certification exam
A state license (in some states)
Therapists, also known as registered behavior technicians (RBTs), work directly with individuals to practice skills and reach goals.
Proof that ABA is effective
ABA is considered a best practice by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. Studies show that intensive and long-term ABA therapy helps many children with autism improve their skills.
Finding ABA Services
To start ABA therapy:
Talk to your doctor about whether ABA is right for your child and get a prescription if needed.
Check your insurance coverage for ABA therapy.
Search for ABA providers near you or ask for recommendations.
Contact the ABA provider to set up an evaluation.
