Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a comprehensive, evidence-based science used to measure behavior, identifies functions of behavior (what the individual ‘gets’ from engaging in the behavior), teach functional skills, decrease problem behavior and evaluate individual progress.  ABA systematically identifies variables in the environment that influence an individual’s behavior. We make changes in the environment to change the individual’s behavior. The changes made in the environment are often how we react to the individual.  When we react differently to an individual, the individual’s behavior is likely to change. ABA’s goal is to change behaviors for the better.  With over 40 years of peer-reviewed research, ABA has demonstrated comprehensive and lasting positive behavior change, particularly when applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders.  ABA has been shown to be the most effective behavioral service your child with special needs can receive.

How Can ABA Help My Child?

Because ABA is a comprehensive method of service delivery, we can work with virtually any behavioral excess or deficit your child may present. These behaviors include:

Behavioral Excesses

  • Tantrums
  • Aggression
  • Property destruction
  • Elopement or running away
  • Defiant or non-compliant behavior
  • Self-Injurious behavior (SIB)
  • Self-Stimulatory behavior

Behavioral Deficits

  • Social/Play skills: eye contact, sharing, taking turns, group play, etc.
  • Communication
  • Self-help skills: potty training, tooth brushing, bathing, grooming, etc.
  • Compliance
  • Academics: numbers, letters, math, reading
  • Safety skills: crossing the street, holding caregiver’s hand, home safety
  • Community Skills: riding the bus, ordering at a restaurant, money management
  • Perspective Taking and Reciprocity
  • Vocational Skills

ABA and the ABC Paradigm

ABA and all evidence-based teaching methods derived from ABA are based on what is called the Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) paradigm. During the teaching trial, the child is presented a prompt (antecedent), the child responds (behavior) and the trainer then provides a consequences based on the child’s response. This paradigm is the basis for learning and the consequences we provide for the child’s behavior will influence how they respond in future interactions. If a behavior is rewarded or reinforced, then that behavior is more likely to occur in the future.  If the behavior is not reinforced, it is less likely to occur.  Providing an appropriate response to the child’s response is the most important thing we can do to change behavior.