Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific discipline focused on understanding and modifying human behavior. It has gained widespread recognition, particularly in the field of developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA uses principles of learning and behavior to bring about meaningful and positive changes in an individual’s behavior, helping them acquire essential life skills and reducing behaviors that may be harmful or impede their daily functioning.
Core Principles of ABA
At its core, ABA is built upon the principles of behaviorism, a theory of learning that emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior. Behaviorism suggests that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment and can be changed by altering those interactions. In ABA, behaviors are analyzed in terms of antecedents (what happens before a behavior), the behavior itself, and the consequences (what happens after the behavior). This ABC model (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) is a foundational tool used to understand why a behavior occurs and how it can be modified.
One of the primary goals of ABA is to reinforce desired behaviors while reducing or eliminating undesired ones. This is achieved through positive reinforcement, where a desirable outcome follows a behavior, making it more likely to occur in the future. For example, if a child receives praise (positive reinforcement) for completing a task, they are more likely to engage in that task again. Conversely, negative behaviors can be decreased by removing the reinforcement that sustains them.
There are also proactive strategies that ABA practitioners may suggest to help children display appropriate behaviors and learn new skills, such as arranging the environment, using a visual schedule, setting up routines, and using the concepts of prompting or shaping to help the child be more successful at the skill.
Applications of ABA
ABA is most commonly associated with interventions for individuals with autism, where it has been shown to be highly effective in improving communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. However, its applications extend beyond autism. ABA techniques are used in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and clinical environments, to address a wide range of behavioral challenges.
In educational settings, ABA can be used to create individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) for students with behavioral difficulties. These plans involve identifying specific behaviors that need to be changed, determining the function of those behaviors, and implementing strategies to teach alternative behaviors. For example, a student who frequently disrupts the class might be taught to ask for a break when they feel overwhelmed, rather than acting out.
ABA is also used in the treatment of other developmental disorders, such as Down syndrome, and in addressing behavior problems in typically developing children. Moreover, it has applications in health and fitness, helping individuals establish healthier habits, and in the workplace, where it can be used to improve employee performance and job satisfaction.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis is a powerful tool for understanding and changing behavior. Its principles and techniques have been proven effective in a variety of contexts, particularly in helping individuals with developmental disorders achieve greater independence and quality of life. Like any therapeutic approach, ABA must be applied thoughtfully and ethically to ensure that it meets the needs of those it is intended to help.
What Happens in an ABA Therapy Session?
An Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) session is a structured and personalized approach designed to improve specific behaviors and skills in an individual. While each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, the general structure typically follows a systematic process.
Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
Before the session begins, the behavior analyst conducts a thorough assessment to identify the individual’s strengths, challenges, and specific goals. These goals might include improving communication skills, social interactions, or reducing challenging behaviors. The session’s activities are then planned based on these objectives.
Intervention Activities based on Identified Goals
An ABA session often involves a combination of structured activities and naturalistic interventions. The session might start with a brief pairing period in which the behavior technician (or behavior therapist) allows the child to engage in preferred activities. The therapist then introduces targeted activities designed to teach new behaviors or reinforce existing ones. For example, if the goal is to improve social interaction, the therapist might engage the individual in a game that requires taking turns or making eye contact.
Data Collection
Throughout the session, the therapist records data on the individual’s responses to the various activities. This data collection is a crucial aspect of ABA, as it allows the therapist to track progress and make data-driven decisions about the effectiveness of the interventions. The therapist may use charts, graphs, or notes to document how the individual responds to specific prompts or reinforcements.
Reinforcement and Feedback
Positive reinforcement is a key component of ABA. The therapist provides immediate feedback and reinforcement when the individual exhibits the desired behavior. This reinforcement could be verbal praise, a favorite toy, or a small reward. The aim is to increase the likelihood of the behavior being repeated in the future.
Review and Adjustments
The BCBA oversees the behavior technician, reviews and analyzes data, observes the child, conducts assessments, and modifies treatment programs as needed. The BCBA recommends changes to the child’s treatment as needed to help the child accomplish treatment goals.
Myths and Facts about ABA
There are some myths about ABA that should not be considered to be true of applied behavior analysis.
MYTH: ABA tries to cure autism.
TRUTH: ABA does not try to “cure” autism. ABA’s goal is to support an individual in a way that allows that individual to live a more independent life with consideration of supporting their quality of life and overall well-being. ABA is not looking to get rid of the autism or any other diagnosis. ABA is focused on teaching skills and reducing challenging behaviors to support the person’s functioning and quality of life.
MYTH: ABA turns kids into robots.
TRUTH: ABA works on teaching children to communicate effectively. Some children do not have vocal speech when beginning ABA and must learn to speak in one word expressions until they can expand their speech to using multiple words and complete sentences. However, even with children working on beginner speech skills, ABA aims to help children develop the ability to express their thoughts and emotions, advocate for themselves in their everyday lives, and engage in conversations that support social skills that are relevant and important to them as an individual.
MYTH: ABA tries to make kids with autism be like “neurotypical” kids.
TRUTH: ABA focuses on identifying what skills and behaviors the individual needs to accomplish goals that are important for them. For example, if making friends is important to the person receiving ABA, ABA therapists may work on teaching how to make and keep friends. However, if making friends is not something the individual cares to develop, the individual is not forced to start conversations, go to social events, and bring attention to themselves in a way that “neurotypical” peers may who tend to be more interested in making friends.
MYTH: ABA uses rigid and intense table work to teach kids.
TRUTH: ABA does sometimes use what is called discrete trial training which presents a very specific skill in a structured manner. However, this is used with careful monitoring of a child’s well-being and is used as a teaching strategy when appropriate and helpful for the child. BUT, ABA also incorporates a lot of naturalistic teaching. This is using play time or other everyday activities to teach a specific skill. This could include teaching the child to identify colors, patterns, vocal speech, identifying names of items in the environment, or brushing their teeth.
MYTH: ABA doesn’t consider the child’s emotions
TRUTH: ABA practitioners teach children to identify their own and others’ emotions. They also teach children to express their emotions. They teach children to manage their emotions with healthy coping skills, as well. When a child is experiencing an unpleasant emotion, such as anger, sadness, or frustration, an ABA therapist may validate their emotion, encourage them to use a coping skill or suggest they engage in a more appropriate behavior. For example, the ABA provider may encourage a child to use their words to express what is bothering them when a child typically has a tantrum or becomes aggressive when they get upset.
