What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based, scientific form of therapy that is often used with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays.  Applied Behavior Analysis is considered the gold standard for working with individuals with ASD.  The use of ABA is supported by decades of research demonstrating its effectiveness.  The research indicates that learners in ABA programs achieve more progress toward their goals than those in programs using other methods.  

The goals of ABA therapy vary by individual, but generally there are two broad categories:

• Increase desired behavior and develop functional skills such as:
  • cognitive skills
  • motor skills
  • language and communication skills
  • social skills
  • hygiene and grooming
  • other functional activities of daily living

• Decrease challenging or dangerous behaviors that:
• may interfere with learning,
• stunt development of social relationships, or 
• put the child or those around them in harm’s way

In many cases, there are multiple objectives for each learner.  Applied Behavior Analysis breaks down each objective into simple, individualized targets that a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) can teach to the learner and positively reinforce.  As each learner masters a specific target, they are also working towards mastery of the overarching objective.  Each objective must have social significance to the learner. Social significance means that the improvement is important to the client, their family and society (Cooper et al., 2007, p. 16). Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and RBTs are required to implement procedures that result in a socially significant change for their clients.  A BCBA will tailor the programs and prioritize them based on the needs of the child and their family to promote independence and improve his/her quality of life.

What Makes ABA Effective?

Based on the observed behaviors and the environments/situations these behaviors occur in, highly trained Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) utilize certain principles and strategies to address challenging behaviors and foster development of functional skills.  The principles and strategies employed vary from child-to-child, but the most effective programs often include the general concepts of motivation, reinforcement, prompting, and individualized teaching methods. 

Individualized Teaching Methods are deliberate teaching methods with a defined goal in mind.  The exact method varies based on the learner but may include:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to help acquire new, unlearned skills in a structured setting.
  • DTT breaks down goals into smaller, simpler steps or targets and incorporates prompting and positive reinforcement so that the learner feels successful and motivated to accomplish each step.

• Natural Environment Training (NET) helps generalize learned or partially learned skills and transition them to naturally occurring everyday situations and settings.

• Practical Functional Assessment and Skill Based Training (PFA/SBT) uses a trauma-informed care approach that prioritizes safety, rapport, and the televisibility of the program above all else.  PFA/SBT is used to reduce challenging behavior during instructional time, increase attending behavior and encourage vocal communication all while increasing long-term learning and the maintenance of skills.

What You Should Expect from Your ABA Therapy Program

ABA therapy is unique each individual and their needs. It can involve a combination of many of the principles and strategies discussed here and can be implemented in a variety of settings including schools, homes, clinics, and other community settings.  While each child will have their own experience, there are certain key attributes you should expect from your ABA program:

• Individualized – All programs should be tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals.
• Comprehensive – All treatment plans should incorporate multiple goals and instructional methods to ensure your child is learning a range of skills and positive behaviors that are socially significant to them.
• Data – Program efficacy is based on data recorded and should regularly be analyzed to assess trends, identify when goals are met, and adjust treatment plans when necessary to promote mastery of goals.
• Supervision & Oversight – ABA programs should be designed and monitored by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). 
• Intensive – ABA is most effective when available instructional hours with a Behavior Analyst and behavior technician are utilized to the fullest extent possible.

The amount of ABA therapy needed for an individual varies depending on his or her diagnosis, developmental deficits, and behaviors.  ABA therapy hours can range between 4 – 40 hours per week depending on the needs of the individual. Sessions are typically run by a Registered Behavior Technician with Board Certified Behavior Analyst oversight and can last 2 or more hours at a time.  While everyone develops at their own pace, therapy can last from months to years depending on the individual’s progress. Research has shown that consistent ABA therapy can improve skills and decrease challenging behavior, and potentially decrease the need for special services over time.  Please contact us now to learn more about the benefits of ABA therapy and how Hunterdon Behavior Therapy can help your child grow!