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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral principles to solve problems of social significance. It is not one procedure, or even a handful of procedures or therapeutic techniques. It is an entire discipline, with success in developmental disabilities, education, business, and medicine, to name just a few. ABA is behavioral technology; the principles that are applied to solve meaningful problems are derived from research results in basic behavioral science (such as the experimental analysis of behavior). Applied behavior analysts are analogous to physicians, who develop treatments for biological problems based on basic medical research.
Early and intensive ABA is by far the most effective approach for establishing language, self-help skills, and reducing unwanted behavior with children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders.
- ABA is a data-driven discipline.
Behavior, goals, and treatments are defined objectively and specifically. This allows reliable data to be collected. Decisions about what treatment to use, and whether or not the treatment actually works, are made by analyzing reliable behavioral data. ABA therefore is a scientific enterprise, and all conclusions must be supported by reliable changes in behavior. Compare this aspect of ABA with other approaches that rarely, if ever, involve extended, direct observation of the individual's behavior and collection of reliable data.
- ABA is effective.
Over 40 years of research demonstrates that the techniques of applied behavior analysis are effective in creating and sustaining meaningful changes in the behavior of individuals. These techniques have been used to teach new classes of behavior (as in verbal and nonverbal communication, self-help skills, etc.), to reduce or eliminate classes of behavior (problem behavior such as self-injury, aggression, etc.), and to modify existing classes of behavior to better suit the individual's environment. One of the most powerful and meaningful conclusions to be drawn from applied research in behavior analysis is that these techniques are extremely effective across clinical diagnoses, co- morbidities, level of functioning, race, gender, and socioeconomic status.
- ABA treatments and strategies are individualized.
Each individual's behavior is analyzed and modified according to their specific needs and abilities. There is no treatment or strategy that will work with every person; applied behavior analysts therefore tailor treatment approaches and teaching strategies so that they are effective for that individual. Compare this aspect to most other psychological and pharmacological approaches that have been shown to produce average improvements in a group of people. These approaches are used with many individuals at once, even though it may not have the intended effects on many of the people within the group.
- ABA involves the entire family unit.
ABA places emphasis on the context in which behavior occurs. It is not enough to simply teach a child to speak; ABA involves parents, teachers, siblings and extended family members whenever possible to create and maintain an environment in which the child will speak on a day-to-day basis. In addition, goals for the child's learning are influenced heavily by the input of family members. This is done to help target classes of behavior that will foster a loving, happy and productive family environment for the child and for all people involved.
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Behavioral approaches are used to affect appropriate change or maintenance of a client’s behavior for their health and safety include the following treatment areas:
- Communication – Ability to request items and/or activities in the natural environment necessary for his/her survival and well being (eating, drinking, sleeping, toileting, bathing, vocational, leisure)
- Language – Receptive and Expressive
- Receptive – Understanding spoken language in order to function within all environments safely and with all stimuli incorporated in those environments.
- Expressive – Ability to communicate effectively using various components and methods to enable client to have basic needs (ie. Hunger, thirst, healthcare, etc) met for his/her safety and well being.
- Motor Skills
- Gross – Skills that involve the large muscle groups of the body necessary for coordination, speed, balance, etc involving walking, sitting upright, standing, climbing, etc.
- Fine – Skills that involve the hands and fingers allowing a client to grasp and manipulate objects for skills such as feeding, drinking, toileting, writing, dressing, communication, etc.
- Oral – Skills that involve the mouth, tongue, teeth, etc allowing a client to eat, drink, swallow, and communicate verbally.
- Cognitive – Ability to understand various concepts that affect health and behavior as well as to make appropriate choices for ones safety and wellbeing.
- Independence Skills – Ability to care for one’s self in areas such as: feeding, drinking, dressing, toileting, hygiene, grooming, safety, etc.
- Behavior – Acquire skills that allow a person to effectively maintain or improve his/her health and wellbeing while exhibiting appropriate behaviors necessary to function in all environments from a health, well being and safety standpoint for self and others.
- Social – Ability to tolerate as well as interact with others across all environments in order to maintain health and safety.
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