Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy

1468 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essays on aba therapy

The most common early intervention program for autism today is applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is an evidence-based practice (EBP) meaning the practices of this intervention are based on documented, scientific evidence. The acronym ABA can be broken down into each letter to define this practice: applied refers to targeting behavior changes for real-life application, behavior is targeting real, observable, and measurable actions, and analysis is the collection of objective data to understand the effect of intervention. Together, ABA forms three basic ABCs that encompass the goals of this intervention: antecedents is the events that happen immediately before the behavior, the behavior itself, and the consequences referring to events …show more content…

These intense programs and components within ABA have received tremendous praise with considerably significant outcomes. ABA proves itself in the support it provides including acceptance that there is more than one effective procedure for individuals, instructional arrangements vary between one-on-one support and group instruction, reinforcement is key for behavior development, knowledge of behavior function, and overall data collection to allow for accurate assessment of outcome benefits. In addition to this knowledge, ABA also incorporates a curriculum that is comprehensive and addresses all possible deficits and excesses, applied significance, and continued staff training on this continually growing field (Leaf et al., 2016). Despite the recommendations for this therapy, it is under constant scrutiny and growth as new knowledge is founded. Limitations that have been noted on this intervention include the reality that methodical approach must be adjusted on a case by case basis, the impact of methods are based on previous successes and failures rather than a solid theory that can be true for all cases, and the deficiency that exists in relation to pharmacology. In conclusion, ABA is the most effective method available to treat autism and will continue to be valid as predicted by the need for early intervention (Matson et al., 2012). ABA therapy is highly recognized as a key to early autism intervention, but therapy sessions are held in confinement of a residential facility; recent studies have attempted to examine the effects of ABA therapy in a center versus the impact it could have in a

Show More
Related

  • Define Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

    724 Words  | 2 Pages

    Behavior Modification strategizes to reduce varieties of unwanted or unexpected behavior by utilizing reinforcement and punishment. In hopes to changing a specific behavior, the individual will learn that good behavior will result in good consequences. In a 1:1 setting, Discrete Teaching or DTT is a method part of ABA that involves the use of “three-term contingency” or simply known as antecedent, behavior and consequence. For example, in a 1:1 setting, a teacher asks a student to clap hands (antecedent), the student claps hands (behavior) the teacher gives student a piece of candy (consequence).

    Read More

  • The Core Principles Of Applied Behavior Analysis Theory

    1061 Words  | 3 Pages

    As Applied Behavior Analyst, we seek to modify a behavior social significant behavior. Our effectiveness can only be measured how much the behavior we set out to modify is changed to a degree in which it makes a difference in the social situations the behavior occurs in. Baer said that this was not a scientific measurement, but a practical one: "its power in altering behavior enough to be socially important, is the essential criterion” (Cooper 17-18). The effectiveness of the research of an ABA effect both the clinical and educational applications of ABA because these cases are the bases of how ABA grows and changes. They are the way we learn and master our field. Even if modifications are later made to older experiments, without them we would not know where to

    Read More

  • ABA therapy for autism

    1249 Words  | 3 Pages

    The most typical component of ABA used is positive reinforcement, which studies have shown to be an effective technique within a variety of settings and circumstances. Ferguson and Rosales-Ruiz (2001) conducted a study in which they utilized positive reinforcement in order to modify the behavior of horses. Prior to the study, the five horses observed were demonstrating inappropriate behaviors while loading into a trailer, which can be dangerous for both caregivers and the animals (p. 409). In order to deter these behaviors, the researchers provided the mares with preferred foods as positive reinforcement as the behavior was gradually shaped. They began by reinforcing approximate behaviors until the desirable behavior was achieved. At first, the horses were reinforced with food for several trials if they simply stepped near the entryway and touched their noses to a towel (the distance marker) without maladaptive behaviors. Over the series of eight steps, the target was pushed farther back into the trailer and the horses were reinforced for each successive approximation (p. 412). After all of the trials, each horse ended up completing the tasks and the inappropriate behaviors thereafter fell to zero. This was completed simply through the use of shaping and positively reinforcing the successive approximations of the behavior without the use of punishment or negative reinforcement (p. 421).

    Read More

  • Characteristics of High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

    891 Words  | 2 Pages

    Autism is a developmental disorder that appears within the first three years of a child’s life. It affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Autism affects 1 out of 68 children. It is also the fastest growing disability in the United States. There are multiple types of Autism, some children are considered high functioning, and some are low functioning. “High functioning” is when a child with autism can function in life, and completes jobs, and chores with little to no help. “Low functioning” is when a child with autism cannot complete simple daily tasks without help, and (or) constant supervision.

    Read More

  • Discrete Trial Teaching: A Teaching Method

    1025 Words  | 3 Pages

    Discrete trial teaching is a teaching method classified by the fast pace delivery and shortened period of instructions (5-20 seconds) and incorporation of prompts, which is also referred to as errorless learning. DTT is under the umbrella of ABA and it is a method used to teach new skills and behaviors to children on the autism spectrum. As well DTT uses a unique style of teaching, errorless learning. Which unlike the normal teaching of trial and error. This style of teaching has been shown to be very effective with children with autism. Furthermore, Applied Behavior analysis seeks to address the antecedent and consequences of behavior ( Hunter class). There is over 60 years of research to support the effectiveness of ABA to address the behavior or children with development disabilities. Furthermore we discussed in lecture that punishment and reinforcement are the driving principle behind changing behavior. DTT uses carefully timed reinforcement to support newly learned behaviors and skills. This research indicates that the use of ABA leads to very effective results in children. (Hunter, 2015)

    Read More

  • Early Intervention is Crucial in Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder

    978 Words  | 2 Pages

    Early intervention is effective in treating autism spectrum disorder in many ways. One important way it has been proven effective by research is by increasing a child’s cognitive skills. When a child is first diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, they will likely be diagnosed as having a cognitive delay. Research shows that early invention services, such as applied behavior analysis, occupational, and speech therapy has helped increase IQ scores in children with autism spectrum disorder. In one study, children who received up to twenty hours a week of early intervention services had an average rise in IQ points of 17.6 (Solis, 2010). This increase in cognitive skills benefited children in the classroom setting. After receiving extensive early intervention treatment, children typically performed better on standardized testing. With an increase in cognitive skills and better achievement on standardized testing, children were able to be placed in less restrictive classroom settings (Smith, 199...

    Read More

  • ABA Therapy and Autism

    1267 Words  | 3 Pages

    Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects the brains development. It is characterized by affecting communication, cognition and social interaction. The spectrum of the disorders ranges from a mild condition called Asperger’s syndrome to a more severe form, which severely impairer’s development. The Office of Communications and Public Liaison states that the disorder affects one and eighty-eight children, however ASD effects boys more frequently than girls (Office of Communications and Public Liaison, 2013). ASD emerges in all age, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The significant varied character and severity of the disorder is why ASD is considered a spectrum that poses a broad range of symptoms.

    Read More

  • The Truths of Autism

    1015 Words  | 3 Pages

    Every year doctors diagnose thousands of adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Due to the growing awareness of autism and recent developments in technology, scientists and doctors can now discover and observe the effects of autism on society, and people. Starting with its discovery, researchers have been able to diagnose people more effectively. Doctors are beginning to discover what causes this disorder, and are currently trying to find ways to prevent and treat it. Many places have opened their doors to people with this disorder, creating autistic friendly environments where people are patient and understanding. Schools have also become accommodating to autistic children and adults. Autism also puts great strain on family and home lives.

    Read More

  • Social Interaction Skills in Children With Autism

    2909 Words  | 6 Pages

    Grandpeesheh, D, Tarbox, J, & Dixon, D. (2009). Applied behavior analytic interventions for children with autism: a description and review of treatment research. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 21(3), 63-173.

    Read More

  • Treatment of Autism in Adolescents

    1279 Words  | 3 Pages

    Temple Grandin, a doctor in the field of animal sciences who suffers from Autism, once said, “People are always looking for that single magic bullet that will totally change everything. There is no single magic bullet.” Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. The Autism Spectrum can be split into many subtypes, including Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Development Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Starting from an age as young as infancy, symptoms of Autism may be conveyed. Repetitive behavior, any loss of speech or social skills, and attachment to parents are three of the many symptoms expressed by children with Autism (“What is Autism?”). In order to improve theses symptoms, many types of treatments have been established. First are the Behavior and Communication Approaches, which include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and different sorts of therapy. Other treatments include dietary approaches, medication, and Complimentary and Alternative treatments. Based on the developed treatments, the early intervention Behavior and Communication Approaches exhibit the most benefits to children diagnosed with autism.

    Read More

  • Applied Behavior Analysis

    956 Words  | 2 Pages

    “Treatment of Autism in Young Children: Behavioral Intervention and Applied Behavior Analysis:Infants & Young Children, by Jensen, VK, and Sinclair LV, published in 2002, summarized Oct 19, 2006

    Read More

  • The Most Common Treatment of Autism

    1423 Words  | 3 Pages

    Nowadays, the most common treatments for Autism is behavioral therapy. ABA therapy is a very common technique used. (Simpson) The children with Autism are taught general social skills. One way this is taught is through modeling social behaviors to them and teaching them to imitate it.

    Read More

  • Positive Behavior Interventions

    919 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the field of applied behavior analysis, scientific supported treatments are chosen based on individual’s needs and abilities. Behavior analysts must choose interventions based on their restrictive procedures. Typically, the intervention should be the least restrictive procedures that are the most effective for the client. Aversive consequences are often see as the more restrictive procedures. These consequences are only recommended to be used only after reinforcement procedures have been tried and the data shows that the intervention is not effective.

    Read More

  • Strengths And Weaknesses Of Erikson's Theory

    747 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the Applied Behavior Analysis field, countless individuals can be helped using ABA techniques and psychological theories. My client is a 41-year-old man, who just went through a divorce, lost his job, and is now rebuilding his life. He is dealing with the loss of seeing his two children on a constant basis. He is now dealing with thoughts of failure, not fitting into any place in society, and isolation.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Autistics

    967 Words  | 2 Pages

    Throughout most of the 20th century, however, treatments for autism mostly consisted of electric shocks and “behavioral change therapy” which focused

    Read More

More about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Open Document