What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a branch of psychology commonly involved in providing therapy to children living with autism spectrum disorder. ABA is the scientific study of behavior that seeks to improve people’s lives in meaningful, socially significant ways.

To reach this objective, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) strive to accomplish two main goals:
1.) determine the reasons why a person is engaging in maladaptive behavior, and
2.) teach alternate, more appropriate ways for that individual to have their needs met. A focus on function (why something is occurring) over form (what is happening) is imperative when creating a thorough treatment plan.

What are the most common techniques ABA relies upon?

ABA therapists have many effective techniques at their disposal, and although the selective application of these strategies is contingent on the learner, positive reinforcement should be the bedrock upon which any behavior-based protocol is built. Reinforcement is often misunderstood, but it is simply an increase in the likelihood that a certain behavior will occur in the future. For simplicity, the word positive can be interchanged with ‘additive’ in this context. Positive reinforcement is just the process by which a sufficiently motivating circumstance immediately follows [it is added in] a desirable behavior, which then leads to an increase in the future likelihood that specific behavior will occur another time.

What does an ABA session look like?

Typically, ABA sessions are thought of as being very rigid and robotic in nature. LifeSpeed, however, has adopted a very divergent mode of ABA service delivery which is centered around affirming, compassionate care. Originally brought forth by Dr. Gregory Hanley of FTF Behavioral Consulting, this new perspective of ABA prioritizes a learner being, per Hanley, “happy, relaxed, and engaged” above all else. In this way, client wellbeing and active participation in a session should always go together. Once areas of deficit are identified, supplementary skills can be taught within this trusted relationship. When existing strengths also remain a focus of treatment, people living with autism have a much better chance of overcoming learning challenges and achieving their full potential.

How effective is ABA?

When implemented in a compassionate and consistent manner, ABA is one of the most effective models of care available to children living with autism spectrum disorder. The intention of therapy should be centered on teaching alternate, safe, and appropriate methods of communication. The learner should enjoy applying their newfound skills, and the Therapist carrying out the programs should be proud of the difference they are making in that person’s life…the process of positive reinforcement occurring for both!