Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental and neurological condition that affects individuals in the areas of social communication and social interaction, and it is also characterized by the presence of repetitive behaviors and language difficulties. Other characteristics include delays in reasoning and self help skills (Smith, 2011) p. 1037). Individuals with ASD vary widely in level of intelligence and may also exhibit other co-existing conditions such as intellectual disability, depression, and phobias (Nozomi, 2009). The disorder begins in early childhood, but is usually not diagnosed prior to the age of two to five years old or when a child enters school. In 2013, the Center for Disease Control reported that there was a major …show more content…
The purpose of this research assignment is to give an explanation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), provide information about the two major categories of behavioral intervention approaches that utilize ABA, structured and naturalistic, and discuss available research regarding them. Also addressed is information about specific (ABA) treatments or models that have been used. Many of them do provide positive benefits and have been considered to be highly successful by many professionals, parents, and support groups. Lovaas’s contribution to the field is also included because he was a pioneer of ABA intervention for children with ASD, although he was not the only individual in the field of psychology that contributed to the study of the disorder (Matson & Neal, 2009). According to Smith “Applied behavior analysis is a discipline of research and practice within the helping professions. ABA interventions are implemented in many settings, with many different clinical and nonclinical populations.” (Smith, 2011, p. 1037). It is believed that ABA has become a very important intervention strategy because it is science based and involves data collection with the use of direct observation. It also includes the use of operant conditioning, a term devised by B.F. Skinner to describe a method of changing behavior through the use
In conclusion, the experiences I have had working with my clients as a behavior therapist and the past experience with people who are not considerate of children with disabilities, have encouraged me to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis.Through my job, I have acquired certain skills that are needed to be a behavior analyst, such as data collection and behavior interventions. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement in my techniques and much more for me to learn about this
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.
Applied behaviour analysis can be defined as an approach that is based on scientific understanding aimed at bringing change to human behaviour. Problems involving behavioural changes affect people from a wide range of groups including individuals with autism spectrum, disabilities, dementia care, individuals in rehabilitation from brain injuries and childhood behavioural disorders. In this career there are some functions that will be ultimate for an analyst. For instance, I will be involved in conducting assessments based on behavioural changes to come up with answers to various patients’ challenges.
Autism is the main form of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism is a developmental disorder that is manifested in problems with communication, impairment of social functioning, and repetitive behaviours. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), ASD diagnoses must meet four different areas of criteria. There are three symptoms of "deficits in social communication and interaction across contexts," four symptoms of "restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities," "symptoms must be present in early childhood," and the symptoms must "together limit and impair everyday functioning" (Carpenter, 2013). There are many theoretical positions on the causes of autism spectrum disorders. Some of which have been discounted by empirical studies that have been researched and performed.
Many of us have heard about Autism, also knows as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some have a family member, a friend, or know someone who has ASD. Increasingly it is becoming a more common disability. “Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S” (Autism Speaks). Autism has no respect for gender, race, social class and or ethnicity. “Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain.” (Autism Center of Excellence) People who have autism have a lot of difficulties with social skills, communication and also will develop behavior issues. These behavior problems of an individual with autism can vary at times and can go from mild to severe. According to the Autism Science Foundation it says,” Many people with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary—from gifted to severely challenged.” The causes and symptoms, as well as the diagnosis, and the treatments of autism vary.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior. (Center For Autism,
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.
The Applied Behavioral Analysis model, or (ABA) as it is commonly referred to, has been in practice for many years, touching the lives of many people of all ages, backgrounds, and degrees of the Autism spectrum. As with anything, there is a considerable amount of misinformation projecting a negative view of ABA. These views have questioned the protocol, application, and necessity of the ABA. The following is some information and facts to hopefully make clear what ABA not only does, but what it stands for as a therapy that will continue to help those in need.
ABA is based on principles of behavioral therapy and is one of the most effective interventions for children that have autism. According to Healy, O'Connor, Leader, and Kenny (2008), early intensive behavioral intervention was effective with preschool children that had autism because they reported high achievements in normative functioning, which was measured under practical outcomes and standard psychological methods. The study also concludes that since Applied Behavior Analysis is a treatment, it can fabricate systematic, substantial and durable effects under particular conditions. This study provided an example where 40% to 60 % children before reaching five who had two years and ten months treatment improved well enough that they were ready to be enrolled in public schools. The research shows that Applied Behavior Analysis is effective with children that have autism, but there are many other effective interventions that can be integrated with ABA. For example Lim and Draper (2011) incorporated music with Applied Behavioral Analysis and found that both of music and ABA were effective and there was no significant differences in between them. Moreover, results specifically indicated that music was as important as speech training to form functional verbal operants in children that have autism. The results also stated that when music is paired with ABA, musical stimuli could enhance verbal production in children with autism. In
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a form of treatment of children with ASD that uses positive reinforcements . There are several different aspects that go into ABA therapy, which are encouraged by either positive reinforcement or the ability for the child to self-stimulate. There are several aspects of ABA therapy which are play a role in helping each and every child in therapy. The general concept behind ABA therapy is to analysis a child behavior specifically their problem behaviors (Boyd, et al., 2011). A problem behavior can be used by the child to escape the current situation they are in (Carr & Durand, 1985). ABA therapy is designed to help the children learn and avoid problem behaviors. This therapy has three main focuses: Intensive Teaching (IT), Natural Environment (NET), and Chaining (SRI Chains). During IT the child will participate in either note cards or workbooks (Carr & Durand, 1985). IT is what most people think of when talking about ABA therapy. In NET the children will interact with the therapies in fun games and other activites that incoperate some of the aspects they are learning in IT (Carr & Durand, 1985). SRI Chains are used as a form of IT. These chians allow the child
Mrs. Hilary Tunstall led an informative discussion about Autism and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). After graduating college, Mrs. Tunstall previous worked as a teacher’s assistant in self-contained classroom for children with autism. She then attended ECU and earned her MA/CAS in School Psychology, and she worked as a school psychologist for 5 years. About 2 years ago, Mrs. Tunstall joined Priorities ABA in eastern North Carolina. She obtained her Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and is now a Behavioral Consultant. Mrs. Tunstall brings a unique perspective to the Priorities ABA; her school psychology background enables her to help parents understand IEPs and assist parents with the advocating for their child’s needs in the school.
One in sixty eight children meets the criteria for an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis (CDC, 2014). When a child receives an Autism diagnosis, the parent takes on the role of advocate who must determine how their child will get the support or therapies necessary to help him or her live a life to the fullest potential. For many parents and children Early Intensive Behavioral Therapy provides one of the most empirically effective treatment strategies. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), based on the Lovaas Model first developed by Dr. Ivaar Lovaas, is a form of Early Intensive Intervention Therapy for children who have been diagnosed with ASD. The original studies of Dr. Lovaas show half of children who receive an average of 40 hours of ABA for at
Since Skinner’s time there has been much research done and many new techniques made in ABA especially in regards of teaching people how to increase behaviors associated with learning and decreasing those that may inhibit learning. These new techniques have been used to help successfully treat or improve the lives of several people with various degrees and types of disabilities and learning disorders. These techniques have been adapted from being used exclusively on adults and modified for children. These techniques can be formally initiated, meaning that they are done in a classroom or a behavioral analysts’ office, or they can be taught to parents or caretakers and are often used to develop skills such as learning theory of mind, eye contact, social skills, and other necessary skills (Renna, 2004).
Applied Behavior Analysis analysts are required to know the steps that are needed and necessary for behavior modification. This type of modification requires a clear definition of the behavior needing modification (target behavior), how this will benefit the individual in need of the modification, a clear plan of modification, and consistent data gathering to determine the effectiveness of the proposed behavior modification plan. In order to achieve a successful modification plan, the ABA professional first needs to gather information about the individual either by direct or indirect means. The modification must always been in the best interest of the individual, or those closest to the individual, and it must be a functional modification that can be carried out in the absence of the analyst. The ABA professional needs to understand the needs of each client. In order to do this, the professional will have to assess the behavior, gather data, identify a target behavior, propose a hypothesis about an intervention, implement the modification program, gather more data about the effectiveness of the program, and report about the outcome.
When using Applied Behavior Analysis, the role of the teacher is crucial. For ABA to be used correctly, a teacher must keep documentation on every student. This documentation should be taken frequently and with precision. Little details such as a shift in interest should be documented. This documentation will show the progress each child makes in the process of modifying their behaviors. In addition to keeping thorough documentation, teachers must examine each student individually. In observing their interests, teachers can form individual enforcers for each student. For example, if a student always chooses to do puzzles during free time, puzzle pieces could be a reinforcer. Every time the student does something that deals with the positive modification of behavior, they can earn a puzzle piece. When all of the pieces are earned, they will be able to put the puzzle together. This method is beneficial when correcting a student’s behavior.