What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Autism

Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), affect approximately 3.4 in 1,000 children. Generally, children with autism will suffer from deficits in a number of areas. They tend to have below average development in socialization skills. Their communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal) will lag. They manifest repetitive interests or engage in repetitive behaviors. Autism is not a curable condition, though some of the symptoms may be treated.

Applied Behavior Analysis, in line with its claim of scientific methodology, focuses on using observation of actual behaviors, rather than theoretically anticipated behaviors. This is accomplished by establishing reliable measurements. This entails creating very specific definitions for a given behavior (highly specific acts and durations). The establishment of these specific definitions allows for an objective observation in which the environmental cues for the behavior or the absence of behavior can be evaluated.

Applied Behavior Analysis interventions begin with making the measurement and observation process described above. The process then establishes which behavior or behavior set requires adjustment. Then goals are established. Establishing and measuring a baseline of the behavior is next. A methodology for adjusting the behavior is created and put into action. After the methodology is put into action, the behaviors are repeatedly measured and the methodology is changed as necessary.

Discrete trial training is one of the techniques employed in Applied Behavior Analysis. Its primary purpose is to try to teach complicated skills or complex behaviors. The technique involves breaking the skill or behavior into smaller, more easily mastered component skills or behaviors. The components are then handled individually until they have been mastered independently. Once the individual component mastery is complete, the components are then slowly tied to one another until the complete skill or behavior is learned.

There are six areas in which ABA can be used in adjusting autistic behaviors. It can be employed to help increase desirable or socially useful skills and behaviors. Its application can enable the acquisition of new skills. ABA may also help to maintain desirable or socially useful skills that already exist. It can help to diminish the external factors that trigger undesirable, self-harming or socially unacceptable behavior. It can be used to help those with autism learn how to apply behaviors across different situations. It may also help to moderate the undesirable, self-harming or socially unacceptable behaviors themselves.