Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied behavior analysis is a science devoted to understanding and improving human behavior (Cooper, Heron, and Heward, 2020, 2016, 2014). ABA is build off of Skinner's behavioral principles of reinforcement and punishment. We look at patterns of behavior and identify the antecedent, behavior, and consequence of those behavioral patterns. We try to make changes to the antecedent or consequence in order to change that likelihood that a behavior may or may not occur. We may teach new behaviors using the same process and include the use of different prompt methods that may be most effective to the learner.
We monitor progress and the effectiveness of any strategy that is implemented by collecting data on the target behavior. If any method is ineffective and data show a lack of progress then modifications to the strategy will be made.
Behavior
Responses or movements made by an individual or organism. Behavior includes anything we do such as talking, reading, writing, sleeping, eating, and taking care of ourselves or others. Some behaviors may have negatively impact an individual's life. Those behaviors may hinder that individual's ability to learn or interact with others or limit their opportunities to do these things.
Antecedent
Any event, situation, or environmental change that is present before the occurrence of a specific behavior. Antecedents may be trigger or set the stage for specific behaviors to happen. Manipulation of antecedents may create optimal conditions for an individual to learn or interact with others to further better enrich their lives.
Consequence
Any event, situation, or environmental change that is present after the occurrence of a specific behavior. Consequences may include the way we respond to a behavior or a change to an existing situation. Certain consequences can maintain a behavior and increase the chance the behavior will probably occur again if the individual is in a similar situation. Other consequences can decrease the chance the behavior will occur again given a similar situation.
Supported Areas
Decreasing Problem Behavior
ABA techniques and strategies can be effective in decreasing behaviors that are negatively impacting day-to-day life. Consistency is key for these methods to be as effective as possible. These behaviors can include, but are not limited to, aggressive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, elopement, stereotypic behaviors, tantrum behaviors, destructive behaviors. When engaged in these behaviors, an individual may pose harm to him or herself or others. These behaviors may prevent an individual from accessing an enriched social or educational environment.
Increasing Communication Skills
ABA techniques and strategies can be effective in establishing functional communication methods for individuals. Functional communication can have different appearances. For some, communication can be vocal. For others, communication could mean utilizing sign language or can be conducted through a device or through a picture exchange system. Regardless of the form communication takes place, with a functional method, and individual will be able to better advocate for him or herself.
Increasing Life and Social Skills
ABA techniques and strategies can be effective in teaching or strengthening life and social skills. Life skills can include tasks related to self-care and independent living such as brushing teeth, showering, meal preparation, and toileting. Social skills include behaviors that are helpful to interact with others to develop friendships or to work together. This can include learning to recognize and respond to another individuals vocal or non-vocal cues. Learning these skills can help an individual live a more independent, enriched life.