3 simple letters. A B and A again.
Put together it stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. But what does that even mean? And why does ABA Therapy actually matter?
I sometimes speak with people who say, "I love ABA Therapy, but I am not quite sure what it is. I just know that I love it!" That's why this Training Tip Tuesday brings us back to the basics and answers the question, 'What exactly is ABA therapy?' Keep reading to learn more!
ABA is based on the science of learning and behavior. Formally, Applied Behavior Analysis is defined as a type of therapy frequently applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders that focuses on teaching skills in specific domains of functioning. This includes social skills, communication, academic and learning skills, motor dexterity, hygiene and grooming and more.
According to Healthline "Applied behavior analysis, or ABA, is one of the most researched and most widely accepted forms of behavior therapy for children with autism. There are many strong proponents of ABA, citing it’s empirical base. ABA practitioners believe that behavior is a function of a environment. By manipulating the environment around a child, we can provide the structure to help them learn and develop new skills."
Simply put, the goal of ABA therapy is to teach the behaviors we want to see and help reduce the behaviors we don’t want to see or that impede our progress in life.
Here is a simple example. You set a new goal to wake up to your alarm clock because currently you are hitting snooze and end up rushing out the door each morning to avoid being late for work. The undesirable behavior is hitting the snooze button, and the behavior you want to increase is actually waking up and getting out of bed.
How can ABA help? One approach is moving your alarm clock far enough away that you physically have to get out of bed. By changing your environment, you are breaking up your regular routine. Then you can add a reinforcement or reward for getting up on time. But the trick is it has to be something you really want that you don't get any other time. Like getting Starbucks on the way to work because you aren't rushing anymore.
ABA is everywhere in our lives, which is one of the reasons why this therapy works so well! When your child is referred to ABA therapy, their treatment is tailored to individual needs. It can be delivered in a variety of settings including their school, home, a clinic, and anywhere in the community. The goal of the treatment is to help children function as independently and successfully as possible.
Research shows that consistent ABA can significantly improve behaviors and skills and decrease the need for special services. ABA effectively utilizes positive reinforcement to teach and promote proper social skills, communication abilities, learning and academic skills, and self-care habits.
Although ABA is mainly directed at helping children with special needs learn socially significant and behaviorally appropriate skills, this therapy is not only for those with a diagnosis. ABA therapy can be used for all behaviors with diverse populations, even those who do not have a diagnosis at all. It is for everyone!
Some examples of services that fall with the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis are as follows:
Communication Skills training
Social Skills training
Safety Skills
Classroom Management Skills
Daily Living Skills
Play and Leisure Skills
Motor Skills
Learning and Academic Skills (some insurance funders do not pay for this skill)
Tolerating Noises
And many more!
This is just a small sampling of how ABA Therapy can assist with our everyday world. For more information on this life changing therapy please contact us and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have!
