Applied Behavior Analysis Essay

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is the leading scientific method that helps patients with Autism to overcome their condition. In order to improve their condition, ABA specialists focus on a system of reward, which encourages positive actions like speech, social activity and life skill improvements. This works mostly with children as they are more likely to absorb and accept new challenges; this is commonly referred to as "positive reinforcement" in the literature and has become one of the leading directions for treatment. ABA therapy was devised and implemented by Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA in 1987. Since then, ABA therapy has become a leading branch of psychology - behaviorism.

There is little research to examine experiences and needs of individuals with ASD, or proper and effective support systems such as educational and family support needed for young adults making this transition. Most information that is provided on this topic is based on professional’s experience and knowledge. It is essential more research is provided to develop programs to help individuals transition from secondary education to higher

Autism is a disease that is being diagnosed today more than ever before. In fact, as of 2014 the statistics for diagnosis of autism are one in sixty-eight children, with diagnosis being much more common in boys (Autism Speaks, 2016a). While there are many theories about what causes autism, there is currently not any proven predictor of what will cause this disease to develop (Landrigan, 2010). Since prevention is not possible at this time, it is extremely beneficial and important to research understanding and treatment of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are many avenues of treatment for ASD, but one method that has received significant attention is applied behavior analysis (ABA). The goal of this research article is to explore the definition of applied behavior analysis, its development over time, and its application to real life. Some questions that will be explored are when and where did ABA originate, how has it developed over time, and what researchers contributed new findings to this intervention. Additionally, the methods that have been developed over time to implement ABA will be discussed, specifically with their application to autism and individuals diagnosed with ASD. Finally, there will be a discussion of how skills that individuals with ASD gain from applied behavioral analysis can be applied to a classroom setting.

The term autism currently holds a meaning that is significantly different than when it was first adopted into our vocabulary in the 1960’s. The evolution of scientific discoveries within the field of autism research is remarkable and consistently improving. With the prevalence of autism continuing to reach sky rocketing numbers, the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the school system is extremely important. Every child has the right to obtain an education and finding new methods that provide this for children with ASD is vital. Creating programs and techniques that can be personalized to a child is the key to them receiving the most out of their education. Discrete trial teaching, pivotal response treatment and picture

Since it first identified as a distinct disorder by Leo Kanner (1943), autism studies continued in order to explain its causes. Many theories and clinical studies evolved. However, none of them seems to be conclusive. Although it was interchangeably considered as part of schizophrenia, recently it is defined as a distinct disorder that has its own characteristics. The field of management is still challenging. In this paper, I am going to discuss different theories that explain autism. Then, I am going to summarize different learning approaches that are used for autistic children based on the

In order to understand why people are for or against ABA, we must first understand what ABA is. According to Baer, Wolf, and Risley “Applied Behavioral Analysis is the processes of systematically applying interventions based upon the principals of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree” (Baer, Wolf, and Risley, 1968). This means using operant conditioning in order to teach proper social behavior. This technique is widely used by therapists for children who have Autism. As with most teaching methods, there are pro’s and con’s.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be applied to different settings, which may range from helping individuals with phobias to training a dog to sit. ABA is the process of scientifically applying interventions to complex or basic situations (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). ABA is founded on the values of learning theory in order to develop and comprehend specific target behaviors (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). Such work emphasizes the understanding of behavior. ABA aligns itself with natural sciences as opposed to the social sciences. ABA places its concentrations on observable behavior and its relationship to the environment (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). ABA can be used to learn what is causing the problem

Although ABA can be used to treat many kinds of behavioral disorders, it is most commonly used in the treatment of autistic disorders, conditions that result in difficulties communicating and developing personal relationships. Autistic people have difficulty with using language, recognizing nonverbal signals and developing social skills. Treating the condition requires specialized training, and the behavioral therapy approach has most often produced evidence-based successes. [4]

Children with autism have difficulties understanding social models and so many of them have difficulties acquiring social skills while children with health development normally gain social and appropriate behavior by observing a model (Mash &Wolfe, 2010). If a child with autism is able to acquire social and adaptive skills they still need to learn how to generalize correct behaviors to different situations and tend to need consistent practice in maintaining those skills. To an autistic child generalization can be extremely difficult to break down and understand. Because of this ABA is

The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve marked deficits in social interaction as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors and language difficulties (Leblanc, Richardson, & Warnie, 2005). Although autism can have a profound impact on the capabilities and functioning of the individual, emerging research indicates that applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be an effective tool for addressing many of the deficits that children with ASD face (Boutot & Myles, 2016). In fact, emerging research indicates that when ABA is utilized for the treatment of young children with ASD many of the challenges faced by this group can be ameliorated (Boutot & Myles, 2016). With these issues in mind the current investigation considers the seven elements of ABA identified by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) in their seminal article on applied behavioral analysis and their application to individuals with ASD. Through a critical review of the seven elements of ABA in relation to ASD it will be possible to illustrate how this approach can be effective for improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism.

There are no specific treatment options that work for all students with ASD. However, researchers have found that the associated symptoms of ASD can be lessened when treatment is customized according to a child’s needs (Bailey, 2014). Further research, has found that early intervention in speech and behavior can greatly increase autistic students functioning (Bailey, 2014). Bailey (2014) points out that one of the most effective treatment of ASD is applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how the environment effects said behavior (Bailey, 2014). ABA uses the analysis of behaviors to change a student’s inappropriate behaviors in a real and meaningful way. One of the principles of ABA

ACE has been such a test. Having never interacted clinically with a child with ASD until my first day at the program, I was not sure what to expect at first. I knew the basic principles of behavior, but had never applied them in such a setting. After a few days I was excitedly confident in both the effectiveness of ABA as well as my own abilities to apply these principles to the population with whom I worked. Therefore, it is simply heartwarming when I am involved in a successful behavior intervention. To know firsthand that ABA undoubtedly works is one of the most inspiring reasons why I have aspirations for continuing in the field.

As we already know, children with autism show lack in communication skills. Behaviorist theory has place in teaching students with autism in order to set the language. I am totally convinced that we can use ABA with autistic children in order to teach them communication skills or improve their skills. Here, behaviorist theory as you stated early rewards are important and provide motivation to the students, this is useful when we are interacting with autistic children and moreover when we are teaching social skills. You mentioned that there are different level of autism and in the behaviorist theory it is an important point about the difference in the mental process between neurotypical children and children with autism. There is an important

Overall, I thought that the information provided in this article was informative and it helped me to understand more about ABA. It is shocking to me than many educators are not taught about ABA when it can be so useful to not only teach students with autism but also special education students in general. I am very glad that I have the opportunity to learn about using ABA in the classroom because it will be very beneficial to me in my future career because I want to teach students with learning behavior disorders and moderate-severe disabilities at the elementary

FCT has been shown to be effective when used with individuals of all ages. From children as young as 3 years old to adults, FCT is an effective way to increase communication, independence and the quality of life for many individuals including those with ASD’s. Through FCT, learners are taught appropriate behaviors to use in place of problem behaviors that serve the same function. An FBA should be completed to determine if a proposed replacement behavior will serve the same function before implementing this strategy.