ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis is the empirically validated use of the techniques and principles involved in learning and motivation to change behaviors of social significance. These techniques can be used in a variety of environments from structured settings, such as classrooms, to everyday situations, such as playing at the playground.
Many studies have demonstrated the significant improvements across several domains of individuals who receive ABA therapy: communication, academic, maladaptive behavior, play skills, activities of daily living, social skills, and independent skills such as employment. Although ABA has been found to be effective for use with a wide variety of ages, disabilities, and behaviors, it is most closely associated with improvements in individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What does an ABA session look like? ABA is not a one size fits all intervention. The techniques and principles associated with ABA can be used across many different settings.
What can I expect ABA services to involve? When a child is referred to an agency to receive ABA services, there are commonalities across clients that one can expect.
+ Based on assessments
+ Data-driven
+ Overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
+ Identified goals are focused on socially significant behaviors
+ Developmentally appropriate
+ Involve ongoing monitoring
+ Include collaboration with caregivers to monitor progress or lack of, training for consistency,
and discussion of targeted goals
+ Sessions include both structured and less structured instruction time
+ Skills are broken down into small, manageable steps
+ Include reinforcement