What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-developed scientific discipline that is based on the science of behavior. ABA therapy uses research-based methods and techniques during an individual's treatment program to produce practical and significant changes in their behavior.
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With a focus on positive reinforcement and motivation, ABA has become the gold standard of autism treatment. This approach helps individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their ability to engage in age-appropriate social interactions, achieve new functional skills, learn positive behaviors, and decrease maladaptive behaviors, which helps them become happy and more independent individuals.
Decades of research has clearly proven that consistent ABA therapy significantly improves individuals' behaviors and functional skills, and also decreases the need for specialized services. A quality ABA program will encompass these seven dimensions of ABA. The seven dimensions of ABA were created by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) to serve as a guide for behavior analysts. They emphasized that for ABA programs to be complete and successful they need to be applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, and adept to generality.
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At Level Up Therapy Centers, we systematically combine ABA methods & techniques to create a one-of-a-kind treatment plan for every client. Our goal is to help our client's achieve lasting and meaningful change in their lives!
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References:
Cooper, J.O, Heron T.E., & Heward, W.L. (2019). Applied Behavior Analysis. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
How Does ABA Therapy Work?
ABA therapy is usually provided in a one-on-one setting with varying providers, including a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The role of an RBT is to work directly with the client and collect data on their individualized program goals. RBT's are directly supervised by the client's BCBA. The BCBA is responsible for creating an individualized treatment plan, and frequently monitoring the client's progress toward those goals over time. Each client's ABA program is tailored to meet their individual needs, and the length of treatment is determined by their level of ASD severity and the amount of program goals they are working on. The BCBA is also in responsible for providing ongoing training and hands-on support to the RBT, and the client's parents/caregivers.
Common Techniques Used in ABA Therapy
ABA therapy techniques most often focus on changing behavior through the use of reinforcement. Some of the most common ABA techniques include Positive Reinforcement and Discrete Trial Training. Positive reinforcement is used to increase desired behaviors. For example, when a child who is learning to communicate vocally says “banana” and subsequently receives a piece of banana from mom, this is considered positive reinforcement. The child, when motivated to eat a banana, will be more likely to say “banana” in the future when their mom is holding one.
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Discrete Trial Training involves breaking down a task into small, manageable steps. Each step is then taught to the individual until they are able to complete the task independently. Other ABA techniques used include functional communication training, token economy, natural environment training, Premack Principle, and more. ABA therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy.
What are the Benefits of ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy has many benefits that can help people with autism and other developmental disabilities. ABA therapy can help to improve communication skills, social skills, self-help skills, and motor skills. In addition, aba therapy can also help to reduce maladaptive behaviors, such as self-injurious and repetitive behavior. Due to the individualized nature of ABA therapy, specific benefits will vary depending on the needs and goals of the individual.
How Effective is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. Although ABA therapy requires commitment and effort, the rewards are abundant. ABA is an effective treatment across the lifespan for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Through decades of research, ABA is recognized and endorsed by many, including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Mental Health.
Is ABA Therapy Harmful?
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and some controversy surrounding ABA therapy and one common misconception is that it is harmful. This is not the case. In fact, the majority of parents who have used ABA therapy with their children report positive results. Every ABA therapy program is highly individualized and tailored specifically for every child, and incorporates activities and therapies that are appropriate for their needs.