Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the scientific study of behavior to understand how biological, environmental and other factors influence and change behavior over time.
As behavior analysts and therapists, we seek to understand behavior and the impact of the physical or social environment on behavior.
Applied behavior analysis is often referred to simply as "ABA." You may have heard people referring to Applied Behavior Analysis as “applied behavioral analysis,” though the former term is correct.
Applied Behavior Therapy is the practical therapy conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Before therapy begins, the analyst will conduct skills assessments in order to understand the learning or emotional challenges and environmental triggers impacting the behavior.
Based on their observations during the skills assessments, a behavior analyst will create a behavior plan. A behavior plan contains thoughtfully chosen methods and techniques for teaching new skills that seek to reduce problematic behaviors and strengthen desired behaviors. Our analysts use a variety of current, research-supported approaches to build verbal and adaptive skills.
Behavior analysts train caregivers on how to respond to everyday learning, emotional and behavior challenges, and how to reinforce skills developed during therapy sessions.
Applied behavior analysis can be a very effective way to help children of all ages experiencing a wide variety of problem behaviors. Its established and field-tested methods allow for assessments that develop a clear understanding of why behaviors occur and what the environmental triggers and reinforcers are that support those behaviors..
Using the science and study of behavior and behavior change, a behavior analyst creates a plan for therapy that addresses problem behaviors. Therapy that is relevant to the environment and designed with the individual in mind leads to meaningful and measurable improvement in the lives of both the child and his/her family.
Analysts have a library of methods and resources to help teach useful skills to children and adults with ASD and related developmental disorders. A therapist may use task-based schedules and reinforcers, techniques to modify environmental situations, and new responses to social bids from others. These skills are often taught in the environment where the behavior occurs.
Therapy is often conducted one-to-one or in a setting with a low analyst-to-client ratio. Therapy options can be intensive—more than 25 hours a week for a period of 1-3 years—or planned according to a less intensive schedule. Early intervention therapy for children below the age of four is available, as are approaches that suit all ages throughout childhood to adult years.
Call us to learn more about how ABA Solutions works with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
