What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

While Behavior Analysis is the scientific study of behavior, Applied behavior analysis (ABA) involves taking what we already know about behavior, based on principles of behavior, and using this information to bring about a positive change.

Behavior analysis involves evaluating and assessing the biological and environmental variables for an individual and determining how these affect that individual's behavior.

The behaviors are defined in observable and measurable terms to assess progress over time and then analyzed in the environment to determine external factors that are influencing that behavior. Different factors involve stimuli in the environment that affect the behavior by causing it to increase or decrease over time.

Applied behavior analysis can be used in a variety of settings, across a wide range of subjects and on a variety of behaviors. When used as a treatment for autism or other pervasive developmental disorders, it typically attempts to increase socially significant behaviors and decrease socially undesirable behaviors.

Applied behavior analysis is also used to improve communication and appropriate play for the child’s level of development. This may be done through the use of:

1. Structured play
2. Incidental teaching
3. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)- the most common form of ABA for children with autism
4. Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)

• To increase desirable behaviors (eg reinforcement procedures increase on-task behavior, or social interactions);
• To train new skills (eg, systematic instruction and reinforcement procedures teach functional life skills, communication skills, or social skills);
• To maintain behaviors (eg, teaching self control and self-monitoring procedures to maintain and generalize job-related social skills);
• To generalize or transfer behavior from one situation or response to another (eg, from completing assignments in a special education classroom to performing as well in the mainstream classroom);
• To limit conditions under which undesirable behaviors occur (eg, modifying the learning environment); and
• To reduce undesirable behaviors (eg, self injury or stereotypy).

Applied Behavior Analysis programs are usually implemented by ABA therapists. This can be done in the home under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or as part of the curriculum for ABA Schools and Programs.

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I suppose I could pay a lot of money to research it, but then I would lose the dream of that small chance we are related if proven otherwise. I like to think there must be some connection for me to have taken such an interest in behavior analysis, which has always been very easy for me to understand.

You may have heard of the book titled Teaching Developmentally Disabled Children: The ME Book written by Ivar Lovaas. This is a great book if you are hoping to learn how to use Applied Behavior Analysis yourself. Dr. Lovaas' program involves providing each child with an individualized plan that outlines specific behaviors in objective terms that the child is in need of improving or eliminating as part of their behavioral repertoire (set of characteristic behaviors for that child).

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Symptoms of Mild Autism
Using social stories
Autism Treatments
Asperger’s Syndrome
Rett’s Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Fragile X Syndrome

Signs of ADHD
ADHD Checklist
Causes of ADHD
ADHD Treatments

Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Conduct Disorder

Tactile Defensiveness
Proprioceptive Dysfunction
Auditory Processing Disorder
Oral Input Dysfunction
Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment

Listening Skills
Study and Homework tips
Homework charts
Tips for Improving Attention and Memory

Discrete Trial Training
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

More free behavior charts
Chore Charts
Homework Charts

Using social stories
Free Child Behavior Help Book
Dealing with Temper Tantrums or Meltdowns
Preventing Attention Seeking Behavior
Self Injury
Ways to Deal with Defiant Children
Tips for helping your child easily change activities
Dealing with picky eaters
Sleep problems
Skin Picking
Aggressive Behavior

Virtual call center Jobs
Revealing work at home scams

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References