This allows objective decisions to be made about future interventions. Through analysis, teachers can determine if behaviors are increasing or decreasing, as well as the rate of the change. There is also a need for a reliable collection of data, as well as analysis of these data to determine if behaviors are changing.
Question: What does the word, "Analysis" mean?Īnswer: Through the use of clear definitions for behavior and systematic delivery of interventions, reliable relationships between interventions and behavior can be established. Obviously, a parent wants to see a child spending less time screaming or having a tantrum, in this case, the parent would also want to see positive behaviors increase, such as communicating or asking for help. For the person who is unable to request something to eat or interact with a peer, teaching these skills is a priority.
ABA can be used to reduce interfering or challenging behaviors.For instance, a student may learn to generalize completing assignments in the resource room to completing them in the general education classroom. ABA principles and methods can be used to help a student generalize or transfer behavior from one situation or response to another.ABA can be used to maintain behaviors, for example, reading sight words that were learned previously.The principles and methods can be used to teach a student new skills, including using a spoon and learning addition.ABA can be used to increase behaviors, such as attending to a speaker or greeting a peer.Question: How are Applied Behavior Analysis principals and methods used?Īnswer:The principles and methods of ABA can be used to support individuals in at least five ways. Such behaviors can include academic, social, communication, and daily living skills essentially, any skill that will enhance the independence and/or quality of life for the individual. The ultimate goal of ABA is to establish and enhance socially important behaviors. In practice, implementation must be systematic so teachers can identify how behavior can be changed and understand how learning occurred. While these principles impact everyone each day, they can be applied systematically through interventions to help individuals learn and apply new skills in their daily lives.ĪBA requires the implementation of established principles of learning, behavioral strategies, and environmental modifications to improve and teach new behaviors. The term behavior refers to skills and actions needed to talk, play, and live. ABA refers to a set of principles that focus on how behaviors change, or are affected by the environment, as well as how learning takes place. and Adam Dreyfus, MA, BCBAĪpplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. Autism Q & A: What is Applied Behavior Analysis?īy Dawn Hendricks, Ph.D., Susan Palko, M.Ed.