Methods Used in Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavioral Analysis is a scientifically studied, empirically based behavior modification intervention, used by facilitators to instruct children with autism-spectrum disorders on simple, everyday tasks and language. ABA therapy involves three different approaches to behavior interventions.

Discrete Trial Teaching

• Discrete trial teaching is a highly structured method of intervention for children with autism-spectrum disorder. Discrete trial teaching is a direct method of intervention which teaches a child to perform appropriate tasks and allows the facilitator to collect the necessary data to determine if the intervention is successful. The child sits at a table or on the floor with an instructor, who provides a directive. Directives can include instructing the child to put together a puzzle, write his name or color a shape on a piece of paper. The child will respond correctly or incorrectly to the prompt and receive a reward or consequence accordingly. Rewards should include praise, hugs or smiles; consequences can be simple verbal and physical redirection (saying "No" while guiding the child's hand to perform the requested task).

Natural Environment Teaching

• Natural environment teaching is similar to discrete trial teaching; however, it is child-directed rather than facilitator-directed. The training takes place naturally, as the child plays or performs normal everyday tasks. Opportunities for natural environment training are endless; a facilitator can teach a child in the bathtub, on the playground or while eating lunch. The child must use with a verbal or vocal responses to receive the desired activities from the facilitator; for example, he will say "Swing" to be pushed on the swings. The facilitator will prompt the child if he fails to initiate the correct responses. Also, facilitators must be paying attention to the child at all times, as the child's focus (and thus the facilitator's instructions and responses) will change frequently.

Task Analysis Training

• Task analysis training involves breaking down a complex task into a number of smaller, more manageable steps. The facilitator will then chain the steps together to help the child learn the overall desired behavior. Task analysis teaching is commonly used to teach self-help or independent life skills, such as washing hands or brushing teeth. The task is broken down into the simplest possible steps and taught one step at a time. The facilitator will use either forward or backward chaining by having the child perform either the first or last step independently, then guiding the child through the remaining steps. For example, to teach washing hands using forward chaining, the facilitator would have the child turn on the water. He would then guide the child through wetting his hands, putting soap on his hands, washing his hands, rinsing his hands, drying his hands and turning off the water. As the child masters each step, the facilitator allows the child to perform the next step independently while continuing the forward chain.

Other Therapuetic Approaches

• Many other therapies exist to help children on the autism-spectrum achieve integration and success. Sensory integration therapy involves the stimulation of the child's physical self to promote awareness and growth. This can include "brushing" the child's skin with a special brush or spinning in circles on a special chair. Auditory integration therapy involves the child listening to music or sounds with certain tones and frequencies removed. The removed tones are identified by a trained professional during an evaluation as being too sensitive for the child's hearing. The idea behind auditory integration is that removal of sensitive tones will decrease the child's aggressive behaviors. Facilitated communication involves the use of communication devices to spell or type the words a child with autism-spectrum disorder wishes to speak.