VIDEO

Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Autism30

What is applied behavioral analysis?

Behavioral interventions are those actions, processes, or programs designed to change the behavior of children with autism. The theory underpinning most behavioral interventions can be explained simply as behaviors that are rewarded tend to be repeated more frequently than behaviors that are ignored or punished.

Using a system of trials and rewards to change behavior in a particular setting or for a particular task is called behavioral conditioning or behavioral modification. Behavioral modification programs have been developed and employed in the treatment of autistic children. The most popular and arguably the most effective program is called applied behavioral analysis (ABA).

Ivar Lovaas, a doctor of psychology from UCLA, first developed this program and is referred to as “the father of ABA.” Dr. Lovaas understood the importance of creating a process of positive reinforcement for the development of desired behaviors. He further theorized that every interaction that an autistic child has is an opportunity to either reinforce good behaviors or ignore them, leading to less-acceptable behaviors. He felt that the current school or institutional environment provided therapies that were neither intense enough nor long enough.

He needed to develop a program that intensified the number and duration of these behavioral interactions. With these realizations, Dr. Lovaas formulated a comprehensive therapeutic and educational plan that has grown into ABA.

ABA is the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. ABA includes the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior.

During this therapy, the therapist gives the child a task to perform. Every task given to the child consists of a request to perform a specific action, a response from the child, and a reaction from the therapist.

Tasks are broken down into short simple pieces or trials. When a task has been successfully completed, a reward is offered, reinforcing the behavior or task. It is not just about correcting behaviors but is designed to teach skills, from basic ones such as washing and dressing to more involved ones such as social interaction. A recent study has shown that up to half of children who underwent full-time intensive discrete trial therapy had behavioral improvement.

Applied behavior analysis has become a well-developed discipline in its own right. It has a mature body of knowledge, established standards for practice, distinct methods of service, recognized experience, and educational requirements for practice. As far back as 1981, ABA was identified as the treatment of choice for autistic behavior and is commonly taught to special education teachers who work with autistic kids.

William’s comment:

Our son attends a program in southern California. The founders of the program were involved in the Young Autism Project study conducted by Ivar Lovaas. After interviewing many programs in our area, we feel that the people who run Liam’s program are the New York Yankees in a field of Triple A players.We are very fortunate to have gotten our son in there. It’s not just that the program offers some ABA therapy, but I feel it is also crucial that a child gets qualified and interested providers who can give him the necessary number of hours (Lovaas suggests 40). A parent should, after researching the best programs in their area, get on the list for services and then call every few days for as long as it takes. Be persistent. The old adage of “the squeaky wheel” seemed to apply to my wife’s nonstop inquiries.

Term:

Special education – Specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique educational needs of the student with disabilities and to develop the maximum potential of that student.

Applied behavior analysis has become a well developed discipline in its own right.