Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

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Introduction
My particular area of specialization is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, 1968). Behavior analysis involves the principle of learning theory, in which it uses reinforcement to increase behaviors, generalize learned behaviors or reduce undesirable behaviors. The three assessments I will discuss in this paper are the Behavior Assessment System for Children-3 (BASC-3), Behavior rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF), and Conners 3. I selected these three …show more content…

These studies have found that approximately half of younger preschool-age children and two thirds to three quarter of older preschool-age children with behavior problems met criteria for ADHD and/or ODD in the follow-up assessments that ranged from 2 to 10 years later (Harvey, Youngwirth, Thakar, & Errazuriz, 2009). The present study examines the level to which early measures of behavior separate preschool children and behavior problems who later meets criteria for ADHD and/or ODD/CD from those who outgrow their problems (Harvey, Youngwirth, Thakar, & Errazuriz, 2009). Parents of 1,752 three-year old children completed a screening packet including the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). The criteria’s included were, parent responded yes or possibly, to questions like are you concerned about your child’s activity level, defiance, aggression, or impulse control; and BASC Hyperactivity and/or Aggression subscale T scores were at least 65 (Harvey, Youngwirth, Thakar, & Errazuriz, 2009). This study examined the strength in multiple methods of behavior assessment during the preschool years to predict later diagnoses of ADHD and ODD/CD. Consistent with previous research, approximately half of …show more content…

The measure was conducted on a large, diverse population and demonstrates sound psychometric properties, with internal consistency reliability ranging from .78 to .97 across reporters (Willard, Conklin, Huang, Zhang, & Kahalley, 2016). The Conner 3 is often used in both research and clinical practice with pediatric cancer patients. The questionnaire consists of both content and syndrome subscales, with raw scores transformed to age and gender-normed t scores. (Willard, Conklin, Huang, Zhang, & Kahalley, 2016). Higher scores are pinpointing of more severe problems, with scores between 60 and 69 considered elevated and scores above 70 very elevated. (Willard, Conklin, Huang, Zhang, & Kahalley, 2016). Hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems, and aggression were available from three raters; executive functioning and peer relations were available from parents and teachers and were also included in analyses (Willard, Conklin, Huang, Zhang, & Kahalley,

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