ABA is…
A scientific approach focusing on ABA therapy, that teaches replacement skills to reduce challenging behavior
- Emphasizes behaviors that are socially relevant and functional to the individual
- It is intended to improve the quality of life for the individual long-term
- ABA analyzes the interaction between the individual and environment, with careful adjustments and other positive behavioral supports, behaviors can be changed
- Simply put, we reinforce the behavior we want to increase and we eliminate attention to the behavior we want to decrease; keeping in mind, at times negative attention is better than no attention
ABA uses a systematic process to change behavior in the most effective way possible
Steps include:
- Identifying areas of need
- Targeting behaviors for reduction
- Teaching skills step-by-step
- Writing measurable goals in areas of need
- Collecting data on the goals
- Carefully analyzing the results
- Adjusting the program as needed
- Monitoring progress