What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy for children that encourages helpful behaviors and discourages unhelpful behaviors by using rewards and other positive reinforcement. Instruction about behaviors is given through modeling. Punishments are not used in high quality ABA; instead calm, empathetic conversations are used to process emotions. Progress is tracked and measured to inform future goal setting and reward selection
ABA Client Dignity
The way we see the world as active members in the disability community guides how we do ABA.
High quality ABA therapy treats the client with dignity and respect. Our Behavior Technicians (BTs) put the client first by learning their sensory needs, their interests, their strengths, and their preferences. Our BTs are receptive to their clients' needs and emotions, are attuned to fluctuations in these needs and emotions, and work to eliminate barriers that would keep learning from being enjoyable.
All children have different strengths and needs. All families have different priorities. Our BCBAs fully involve the family when setting goals to ensure that goals are meaningful to the family and build greater independence for the child. Our BCBAs take time to learn about the child's preferences so that the positive reinforcements used in therapy are tied to the child's interests and preferences.
High quality ABA therapy treats the client with dignity and respect. Our Behavior Technicians (BTs) put the client first by learning their sensory needs, their interests, their strengths, and their preferences. Our BTs are receptive to their clients' needs and emotions, are attuned to fluctuations in these needs and emotions, and work to eliminate barriers that would keep learning from being enjoyable.
All children have different strengths and needs. All families have different priorities. Our BCBAs fully involve the family when setting goals to ensure that goals are meaningful to the family and build greater independence for the child. Our BCBAs take time to learn about the child's preferences so that the positive reinforcements used in therapy are tied to the child's interests and preferences.
How Does ABA Work?
ABA therapy is tailored to the needs and abilities of the client. After an initial assessment involving interviews with the family, observations of the client, and reviews of medical history, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will map out a plan including goals for target behaviors and sessions lengths.
A Behavior Technician (BT) will then lead the client through discrete trials. In each discrete trial, the BT will ask for a specific behavior such as smoothly transitioning from one task to another, sorting items by category, following a routine when brushing teeth, or practicing social interactions. If the client completes the behavior, a predetermined reward is given. The reward may be social (like a high five), a preferred activity (like a certain length of play time), or tangible (like a food treat). The reward should fit the client's preferences so that it is meaningful and pleasant. If the client does not complete the behavior, the trial is repeated. After sufficient practice, the therapist will conduct the discrete trials in real world settings. As the client progresses, new behaviors may be targeted.
Data about progress is reviewed throughout the process to determine if methods and rewards are effective or if new ones should be used. Services are scaled back as the therapy concludes in order to provide a gradual transition to independence.
A Behavior Technician (BT) will then lead the client through discrete trials. In each discrete trial, the BT will ask for a specific behavior such as smoothly transitioning from one task to another, sorting items by category, following a routine when brushing teeth, or practicing social interactions. If the client completes the behavior, a predetermined reward is given. The reward may be social (like a high five), a preferred activity (like a certain length of play time), or tangible (like a food treat). The reward should fit the client's preferences so that it is meaningful and pleasant. If the client does not complete the behavior, the trial is repeated. After sufficient practice, the therapist will conduct the discrete trials in real world settings. As the client progresses, new behaviors may be targeted.
Data about progress is reviewed throughout the process to determine if methods and rewards are effective or if new ones should be used. Services are scaled back as the therapy concludes in order to provide a gradual transition to independence.
Different types of ABA
Different clients have different needs, abilities, and dispositions. There are different types of ABA to suit these differences.
These are some of the most common types:
These are some of the most common types:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
DTT is a style of teaching that uses a series of trials to teach each step of a desired behavior or response. Lessons are broken down into their simplest parts and are practiced in a simplified setting to minimize distractions. Positive reinforcement is used to reward correct answers and behaviors. Incorrect answers are ignored. - Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
NET uses the same principles of DTT but practices skills in real-world settings. It is most effective when used as a progression of skills already established with DTT. - Precision Teaching (PT)
PT focuses on fluency. Established skills are practiced so that the speed with which a client can complete a task or series of tasks increases. By making acquired skills more automatic, PT increases the confidence of the client. - Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
PRT uses play as the context for developing skills and refining behaviors and responses. It is less overtly structured and more learner interest driven than DTT. By connecting to the interests of the client, it aims to increase motivation to learn and have widespread effects on other behaviors. - Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI)
VBI is a type of ABA that focuses on teaching verbal skills. Verbal skills include the use of augmented communication devices.
Skills Improved by ABA
A wide range of skills can be established and improved with ABA therapy:
- Daily Living Skills
These are skills related to self-help and general life skills. Based on age and ability, these could range from toileting and brushing teeth to cleaning dishes and sorting laundry. - Communication Skills
This includes both receptive and expressive communication. This spans diverse methods of verbal communication ranging from vocal to multiple types of augmented communication devices. - Self-Management Skills
These are skills related to recognizing, regulating, and expressing emotions. - Social Skills
These are skills related to interacting with peers or others. This overlaps with communications skills and encompasses appropriate behaviors in diverse settings. - Play Skills
These are skills related to all modes of play including constructive, exploratory, physical, pretend, cooperative, and peer-to-peer. - Leisure Skills
These are skills related to making decisions about free-time and taking the initiative to self-structure time in meaningful ways. This includes leisure activities that are done alone or with other people.
How BTs are Trained at Partners in Autism
We provide training to Behavior Technicians who are new to the field of ABA. This training begins with modules which they complete on-site over the course of 40 hours and then ABA orientation at which they receive a full manual with information specific to our ABA culture. Each new BT is then paired with one of our Program Coordinators or BCBAs to review their training and learn about client specific behavior. Before working solo with a new client, a BT must demonstrate hands-on proficiency in the skills needed for that specific client as determined by the supervising BCBA. Ongoing observations, Safety-Care training, CPR renewal, and bi-monthly whole team trainings keep skills fresh.
We encourage BTs to earn their RBT certification by paying for their RBT training, test fee, and annual renewal fee. We pride ourselves on the quality of our therapy and invest in the professional development of our staff. This degree of investment is one of the things that makes us unique among area ABA centers.
We encourage BTs to earn their RBT certification by paying for their RBT training, test fee, and annual renewal fee. We pride ourselves on the quality of our therapy and invest in the professional development of our staff. This degree of investment is one of the things that makes us unique among area ABA centers.
More info from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board...
Behavior analysis is the science of behavior, with a history extending back to the early 20th century. Its underlying philosophy is behaviorism, which is based upon the premise that attempting to improve the human condition through behavior change (e.g., education, behavioral health treatment) will be most effective if behavior itself is the primary focus, rather than less tangible concepts such as the mind and willpower. To date, basic behavior-analytic scientists have conducted thousands of studies to identify the laws of behavior; that is, the predictable ways in which behavior is learned and how it changes over time. The underlying theme of much of this work has been that behavior is a product of its circumstances, particularly the events that immediately follow the behavior. Applied behavior analysts have been using this information to develop numerous techniques and treatment approaches for analyzing and changing behavior, and ultimately, to improve lives. Because this approach is largely based on behavior and its consequences, the techniques generally involve teaching individuals more effective ways of behaving and making changes to social consequences of existing behavior.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been empirically shown to be effective in a wide variety of areas, including parent training, substance abuse treatment, dementia management, brain injury rehabilitation, occupational safety intervention, among others. However, because ABA was first applied to the treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, this practice area has the largest evidence base and has received the most recognition.
For more info, check out https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been empirically shown to be effective in a wide variety of areas, including parent training, substance abuse treatment, dementia management, brain injury rehabilitation, occupational safety intervention, among others. However, because ABA was first applied to the treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, this practice area has the largest evidence base and has received the most recognition.
For more info, check out https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/
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