Applied Analysis
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?
Applied behaviour analysis, commonly referred to as "ABA" is a systematic method of supporting and/or altering behaviour. It involves studying behaviour (via observation), analysing the steps involved in producing a behaviour, and then teaching or modifying these steps one at a time. The principles of behaviour therapy have been developed through more than 50 years of scientific research.
Key components of ABA are:
A "functional analysis" of behaviour. This refers to the observation of current behaviours for their frequency as well as the antecedents and consequences of displayed behaviour
Breaking down desired skills into manageable steps
Teaching the steps through repeated presentation of skills (these repeated learning opportunities are sometimes referred to as "discrete trials")
Collecting data on behaviour to measure quantitative and qualitative changes over time
Examples of ABA applications to a child with autism:
To teach new skills: Breaking skills into manageable steps to be taught systematically using reinforcement e.g., to teach new functional life skills, communication skills or social skills
To increase desired behaviours: Positive reinforcement to increase behaviour e.g., rewarding a child to increase staying on-task or to increase their attempts to initiate play in a social interaction
To reduce inappropriate behaviours: Modification of the child's environment or redirecting the child to a more appropriate activity e.g., ignoring a tantrum and redirecting the child to a functional activity
Generalisation of new skills: Teaching skills in various environments to ensure the new behaviour is transferred from one situation or response to several e.g., generalising compliant behaviours from the home environment to various public/ community settings
The application of behaviour principles to learning and performance has been used as a basis of treatment on children
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?
Applied behaviour analysis, commonly referred to as "ABA" is a systematic method of supporting and/or altering behaviour. It involves studying behaviour (via observation), analysing the steps involved in producing a behaviour, and then teaching or modifying these steps one at a time. The principles of behaviour therapy have been developed through more than 50 years of scientific research.
Key components of ABA are:
A "functional analysis" of behaviour. This refers to the observation of current behaviours for their frequency as well as the antecedents and consequences of displayed behaviour
Breaking down desired skills into manageable steps
Teaching the steps through repeated presentation of skills (these repeated learning opportunities are sometimes referred to as "discrete trials")
Collecting data on behaviour to measure quantitative and qualitative changes over time
Examples of ABA applications to a child with autism:
To teach new skills: Breaking skills into manageable steps to be taught systematically using reinforcement e.g., to teach new functional life skills, communication skills or social skills
To increase desired behaviours: Positive reinforcement to increase behaviour e.g., rewarding a child to increase staying on-task or to increase their attempts to initiate play in a social interaction
To reduce inappropriate behaviours: Modification of the child's environment or redirecting the child to a more appropriate activity e.g., ignoring a tantrum and redirecting the child to a functional activity
Generalisation of new skills: Teaching skills in various environments to ensure the new behaviour is transferred from one situation or response to several e.g., generalising compliant behaviours from the home environment to various public/ community settings
The application of behaviour principles to learning and performance has been used as a basis of treatment on children