Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

In a nutshell, ABA is a therapeutic approach based on the science of learning and behaviour. ABA seeks to understand how behaviours are learned and how they can be changed through various techniques (Yu et al., 2022; Autism Speaks, 2024). Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is primarily used in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but also appropriate in various other areas, such as, depression, behaviour management, and physical health (Autism Speaks, 2024; Psychology Today, 2022). The principles and methodologies of ABA are always evolving and are informed by ongoing research.

Behaviour analysis can help us to understand how behaviour works, how the behaviour is affected by the environment, and how learning takes place. The goal is to increase behaviours that are desirable and helpful and to decrease behaviours that are negative or impact learning (Autism Speaks, 2024).

What does ABA help with?

It has been proven that ABA can help with:

  • Increasing language and communication skills.

  • Help to improve attention, social skills, memory, and focus.

  • ABA also helps to decrease problem behaviours.

How is ABA implemented?

  • ABA can be modified to meet the needs of each person.

  • It can be used and provided in different locations, such as at home, school, or through the community.

  • ABA can be done one-on-one or in group settings.

Key Principles of ABA

  1. Positive Reinforcement: The concept of positive reinforcement remains at the core of ABA. This involves rewarding preferred behaviours to increase how often the behaviour is completed. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective strategies in ABA, especially in encouraging adaptive behaviours in children with ASD (Yu et al., 2020; Eckes et al., 2023).

  2. The ABC Model: The Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence (ABC) model is an important tool in ABA. It includes analyzing the antecedent (what happens before the behaviour), the behaviour itself, and the consequence (what happens after the behaviour). The ABC model has been shown to be very effective when used (Gitimoghaddam et al., 2022).

ABA and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ABA is most commonly associated with interventions for individuals with ASD. Through the years, research has consistently shown that ABA-based therapies can lead to significant improvements in communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviour in individuals with ASD (Gitimoghaddam et al., 2022).

ABA Techniques

Discrete trial training (DTT): break skills into small units, teaching the skill one unit at a time with appropriate reinforcement as each step is mastered. Such as breaking down speech, one unit may be dedicated to producing the vocal sound “S”. (Yu et al., 2020).

Modelling: the therapist presents an example of the desired behaviour, either through demonstration or video, and then the individual is asked to imitate the behaviour (Yu et al., 2020).

Picture exchange-communication system (PECS): the use of pictures to teach communication and vocabulary skills to children. This is especially great for individuals who do have speech skills. This technique has also been shown to be useful in various education settings (Yu et al., 2020; Gitimoghaddam et al., 2022).

ABA can be a great tool to introduce in your healing journey. We have therapists here at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy that are trained in ABA and can help guide you through your treatment or your child’s treatment. One of our therapists, Samuel, would be a great choice. You can contact us to book a free consultation at admin@vaughanpsychotherapist.com or call 647-267-9853.

 


References 

Autism Speaks. (2024) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis

Eckes, T., Buhlmann, U., Holling, HD., & Mollmann, A. (2023). Comprehensive ABA-based interventions in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 23(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04412-1

Gitimoghaddam, M., Chichkine, N., McArthur, L., Sangha, S. S., & Symington, V. (2022). Applied behavior analysis in children and youth with autism spectrum disorders: A scoping review. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 45(3), 521–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40614-022-00338-x

Psychology Today. (2022, June 28). Applied Behavior Analysis. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis

Yu, Q., Li, E., Li, L., & Liang, W. (2020). Efficacy of interventions based on Applied Behavior Analysis for autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Investigation, 17(5), 432–443. https://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2019.0229



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