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Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a therapy proven to be successful with children on the autism spectrum. ABA replaces undesirable behavior with acceptable behavior through a system of consistently applied rewards and consequences. To accomplish this, the function of the behavior must be understood and the new skill or desired behavior taught one small step at a time.

  1. Functional Behavioral Assessment

    • Before ABA can be implemented a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) must be performed. The goal is to understand what purpose the undesirable behavior serves. This is a critical step because one behavior can serve a variety of functions. If a child throws his plate on the floor at dinner time the behavior could be due to the fact that he simply hates potatoes. But what if he is hypersensitive and the texture of the potatoes makes him gag? Or what if he just wants to leave the table? One typical response to such behavior would be, "That's it, go to your room." If the purpose of the behavior was to leave the table, then what was intended to be punishment is actually a reward and the undesirable behavior is reinforced. A functional behavioral assessment takes the time to observe the behavior, record what triggered the behavior (the antecedent) and the result. This information is used to discern why it happened so that an accurate plan can be created.

    Plan

    • Once specific behaviors are targeted, a plan for changing the behavior can be developed. First define the desired behavior--the goal. Then break the behavior down into the individual steps necessary to teach the behavior. Each step must be well defined and measurable. The plan should describe: 1) what will be done to teach each step, 2) what each session will consist of, such as length of time or number of prompts, 3) definition of expectations, 4) what constitutes success, 5) a reward system, 5) a method to collect data.

    Rewards

    • Rewards are most successful if they have meaning for the participant. In the beginning, reinforcements need to be given immediately every time the desired response is achieved. As competence is gained and progress is made, reinforcements can take the form of a chart or token system that require the participant to achieve success a number of times before receiving the reward.

    Implementing the Plan

    • A regular schedule and consistency are two keys to a successful ABA program. Another important key is repetition. When implementing an ABA plan, prompt the participant to perform the desired task and wait for a response. If nothing happens, prompt again and keep repeating until the task is performed then immediately give a reward. This interaction needs to be repeated until the task or new behavior has been learned. As progress is made, prompts can be changed to be less obvious--go from direct verbal commands to using a gesture--and gradually phased-out until they're no longer needed.

    Assess

    • Information for each session should be recorded and analyzed on a regular basis, even daily if necessary. Assessing the information---number of prompts given, the number of accurate vs. inaccurate responses and the amount of time---will quantify progress. It will also show if the plan isn't working so that adjustments can be made before too much time is wasted.

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