Applied Behavior Analysis

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

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.

What is Applied Behavior Therapy?

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.

Building a Therapy Plan - What to Expect

The first step toward understanding behavior is data collection. Through questionnaires, friendly interviews and assessments in the environment where the behavior occurs, we can gather information and record observations.

Real-Time Observations

Behavior analysts observe an individual in their daily environments to assess skills and any behavior patterns. Data will be collected during observations.

  • Skills assessment: language, social, self‐help, fine/gross motor, play skills
  • Behavior assessment: Precursors, specifics, outcomes
  • Environment: How does the environment affect behavior?
Based on data from interviews, assessments, and observations, your behavior analyst will develop a behavior plan that addresses behaviors and skills. All methods applied by the behavior analyst are based on the principles and procedures developed by applied behavior analysis research and application.

Diagnostic Interviews

We will conduct interviews with parents and/or caregivers to gain a full understanding of the individual engaging in therapy, and his/her overall experience. Please be prepared to discuss the following during the interviews:

  • Medical history
  • Developmental history
  • Family history
  • Environmental triggers and behavior challenges
  • Individual concerns
To get started, please complete our Referral Process questionnaire.
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Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism

Applied behavior analysis has been helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental disorders since the 1960s. Applying the principles and methods of applied behavior analysis, a behavior therapist will work with a child or adult with autism to address socially significant behaviors such as:

  • Communication and social skills
  • Self-care skills including toileting and dressing
  • School readiness, studying, and problem-solving skills
  • Domestic and work skills
  • Play and leisure skills

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.

Submit a Referral Process questionnaire.