ABA 101

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapy can help individuals with disabilities to reach their maximum potential in different areas of human development. 

ABA therapy uses the principles of Behavior Analysis and applies them to the goals we are trying to achieve. These are some examples of goals that could be addressed using techniques of ABA in different stages of development: 

• Communication Skills: Increase verbal and nonverbal communication skills to share wants and needs. 
• Social Skills: Learn important skills that can help a person interact with others around them. 
• Adaptive and Independent Living Skills: Learn skills to the person become more independent and care for his/her own needs, some examples include toilet training, dressing, washing hands, feeding self, preparing a meal, among many others. 
• Vocational Skills: Learn skills to help a person learn a vocational activity such as performing a job. 
• Attention and concentration: Improve a person’s ability to focus on different tasks
• Reduce problem behavior: Problem behaviors are those that prevent a person from functioning in everyday life. 

How does ABA work? 

ABA uses a variety of techniques to understand and teach new behaviors. Some of the advantages of ABA include: 

• It is individualized to each person’s needs. No two plans will look the same, because everyone has specific strengths and needs.  
• It is flexible and adjusts to changing needs. As the children or adult with special needs acquires new skills or as they demonstrate new challenges, ABA’s goals adjust and tailors its plan to address the most significant goals. Due of its flexibility and variety of goals that can be addressed using the principles of ABA, it can be used and have been found effective from early childhood to adulthood. 
• The child or adult receives positive reinforcement for demonstrating the socially appropriate behaviors. ABA makes learning fun and engaging!
• It teaches meaningful skills to everyday life. 
• It involves data collection and graphing of the progress. 

Who provides ABA therapy?

The team is led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who is an individual with a masters or PhD, who has passed a National Certification Exam, and is licensed in the state. He or she provides ongoing supervision and training to the Registered Behavior Technicians who work directly with your child or adult with special needs. It is important to verify that the therapy is supervised by a BCBA with a current and active certification.

Article Written By:

Christelle Garza, PhD, BCBA, LBA, Clinical Director at AdBAnce Behavioral Health.