Applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, is a therapy commonly used in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. ABA applies behavior modification techniques to change, reduce and create specific behaviors. The versatility of ABA therapy makes it appropriate for use in schools, home and anywhere else the child may be, as well as for children with various levels of autism.
Basics
The general steps of ABA therapy include applying systematic interventions to help promote desired behaviors and discourage unwanted behaviors in children with autism, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rewards are given to children when they perform the correct behavior or provide the desired response. The child's success rate is then measured.
Considerations
ABA therapy can be started with children who are suspected of autism even if no formal diagnosis has been given. Parents should involve their child in early intervention programs as soon as autism is suspected. The earlier ABA therapy is started in the life of a child with autism the better the prognosis.
Specifics
ABA techniques are conducted by people specifically trained in the therapy. Some parents have even received training in how to apply ABA therapy. Based on the specific situation of the child, ABA therapy can be applied both within the home and at the child's school.
ABA therapists then develop an individualized plan with specific goals the child needs to achieve. Behavior modification techniques are then applied to begin helping the child reach those goals. ABA therapy focuses on only those behaviors that can be reliably measured and defined objectively, reports the Center for Autism website.
Application
Once the child's measurable goals are set in place the therapist applies reinforcement through the use of rewards that are specific to that child so as to increase his specific behaviors. Detailed logs are kept, documenting whether the child was able to reach the set goals. Once the child reaches his goals, in a predetermined number of attempts, new goals will be put in place. Although the old goals were considered achieved, in ABA therapy it is important to ensure the child does not forget what he learned. Therefore, ABA therapists have a set schedule to revisit material the child has already mastered.
This process can go on for years as the child learns new skills and develops prosocial behaviors. Generally, children are involved in ABA therapy for at least 25 hours and sometimes up to 40 hours a week, notes HelpGuide.org.
Types
There are a number of subsets of ABA therapy that are used depending on the needs of the child. According to the CDC, some different types of ABA include discrete trial training, where the lessons are broken down into simple parts and the child is reinforced for correct responses; early intensive behavioral intervention, which is applied with young children even younger than three; pivotal response training, which encourages a child to become motivated to learn and communicate with others; and verbal behavior intervention, which helps children build their verbal skills.
