What is Applied Behavior Analysis and How Does It Work

Have you ever been put in a time-out by your parents or have you put you child into a time-out as a punishment of misbehavior? The science behind that is what we call as Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy often applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders that focuses on imparting skills in specific domains of functioning. It can improve social, communication, and learning skills through reinforcement strategies. 

How does it work?

Applied Behavior Analysis involves many different techniques for understanding and changing behavior. It actually involves several phases, allowing for an approach that’s tailored to your child’s specific needs. ABA could be adapted to meet the needs of each unique child and can be provided in many different locations – at home, at school, and in the community. Educators teach them skills that are useful in everyday life. You can also opt to have a one-on-one teaching session or a group instruction.

Among the techniques used in ABA therapy includes:

The tools used to implement the consequences might include:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT): In a one-on-one session, an ABA educator breaks down complex behaviors into a number of elements, which are separately and sequentially reinforced to build up into the desired behavior.
• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): This type of treatment involves a holistic examination of motivations and responsiveness in the patient.
• Picture exchange communication system (PECS) – PECS involves the use of pictures to teach communication and vocabulary skills to children.
• Natural Environment Training (NET): This uses reward systems already established in the patient’s life and pairs them with desired behaviors to create a naturalistic pattern of behavior response.

How do I find a therapist?

If you’re ready to find a therapist, your child’s pediatrician is a good starting point. Usually, they can give you a referral or they can recommend someone. 

Achievement Behavior Care can also help you. Our team of talented BCBA/LBA (Board Certified Behavior Analysis/ Licensed Behavior Analysis) provide individualized evidence-based interventions based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in the clien’ts home, community and/or school. As a Behavioral health agency, Achievement Behavior Care services children on the autism spectrum from age 2-21 years old.