What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a systematic approach to teaching that is based on research and a set of evidence-based practices. It is recommended as a "best" practice by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association for instructing individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). 

ABA includes a wide variety of techniques that ultimately modify behavior.  In a broad sense, behavior is the demonstration of any action. Behavior includes but is not limited to: communication and language, social skills,  self-care, play/leisure, and learning/ academic skills. 

A Few Core Components of ABA:

Antecedent Strategies - The teaching environment and the way instruction is presented is arranged to set up success for the child.  This may include use of visuals, modifying the amount of work presented, providing choices, using preferred items during teaching, providing frequent breaks, providing non-contingent attention, and adjusting the ratio of easy and difficult skills that are presented in a session.  

Reinforcement - Teaching sessions are set up to encourage the child to want to engage in learning activities.  During sessions, the child 's behavior, correct responses,  or just the child's participation in the activity are reinforced. Reinforcement or rewards are identified by using the child 's interests and preferences.

Prompting - Skills are taught with reduced opportunities for the child to make errors.  This is done through teaching skills while not giving the child opportunities to make errors (errorless learning).  Prompts may include physical guidance, gestures, and verbal assistance.  As the child makes progress, the prompts are reduced. 

Data Collection -  Data on the child's learning and behavior is taken regularly and analyzed often.  The child's programming is adjusted based on the level of progress or the absence of progress.  If progress is not being made, the instruction or reinforcement is modified.

Teaching Replacement Behaviors -  To decrease problem behaviors, the behaviors are identified and analyzed.  An alternate or replacement behavior is identified.  The replacement behavior must meet the same need or function as the problem behavior. The child is then taught this new and more appropriate behavior and given the reinforcement they had received as a result of the inappropriate behavior.  The four functions of behavior include: attention, escape/avoidance, tangible item or activity, and automatic (sensory).