The Applied Behavioral Analysis Model (ABA)

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.

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.

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.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, autism is defined as a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may also display attention deficits, engage in repetitive behaviors, resist environmental changes, have unusual sensory experiences, and may exhibit inappropriate behaviors that have adverse impacts on educational performance (Delano, 2007). The incidence of children identified with ASD has steadily increased and has thus changed the dynamics of education. Due to the number of children diagnosed with autism dramatically increasing over the last fifteen years, the demand for research-based

The participants in this study were 19 boys and one girl with autism and received 40 hours per week of this type of intervention for two years. Following the completion of this intensive ABA, students received supplemental instruction for the next two years while entering school. The average age of the participants was 41.5 months with a range of 20-65 months. Thirteen of the children were receiving intervention prior to age 4. Eighteen of the children were diagnosed with autism and the remaining two had labels of

CBS’s mission is to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and autism with the least intrusive methodology to live and work in the least restrictive environment and maximize their potential as constructive members of society. They are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one to one direct instruction, consultation to parents and school staff, and individual and group workshop trainings. Each child has an individualized program according to the specific needs of the child and family.

In today’s society, we believe that all humans should be treated equal. We see this every day; on the news, blogs, social networking websites, worldwide campaigns. In her online journal article about life with a child with autism, “Tackling That Troublesome Issue of ABA and Ethics”, published in October of 2012, Ariane Zurcher argues that the issue of ABA therapy should affect either more than those individuals living with autism, or no one at all. ABA therapy is an applied behavior analysis in which patients with autism are motivated to do a certain task; they are often rewarded in hope of having an action come naturally. Zurcher dives into an article by Michelle Dawson, The Misbehavior of Behaviorists: Ethical Challenges to the Autism ABA Industry, which is so often used in Zurcher’s own article to back up her argument regarding ABA therapy. She explains how this argument stems from an inadequate definition of what equality is and how we should not use a therapy technique different from what we would use for a neurotypical individual, “If we really believe Autistic people (and children) deserve the same respect, are truly considered equal as those in the neurotypical population, ABA presents some real problems.” (Zurcher 1; par. 4)

My visit was done at Summit Autism Center in Roswell, Georgia on Friday, March 25th, 2016. I interviewed co-founder and director of the center, Jennifer. According to the mission statement, Summit Autism Center aims to “provide individualized, effective, and scientifically based treatment for children with autism and related disabilities that are not otherwise available” (Summit Autism, 2015). Jennifer stated that Summit, in addition to teaching independent living skills and basic school academics, they specialize in applied behavior analysis (ABA), which uses the verbal behavior principles written by B.F. Skinner. They focus on a wide range of skill in hopes of maximizing the individual potential of each child in attendance by working on:

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.

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 (ABA) focuses on scientific approaches to change behavior based on various utilizations of learning principles. Mainly, it’s used in different settings such as homes, schools, workplaces, hospitals, etc.… It can be applied in therapy to handle numerous mental health issues in addition to learning complications, especially with those diagnosed with autism. Most clients in ABA therapy are young, in which they’re in the process of improving social skills and learning behavior. As previously mentioned, ABA is known to be scientific provided that it involves a methodical process of collecting results on targeted behaviors that need to be altered or reinforced. For instance, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) has to implement a program and gradually monitor to assess its effectiveness. The information collected, including baseline data can be measured to determine if there was a positive or negative change in behavior. Therefore, the analyst can decide ways to increase or decrease behavioral occurrence.

As a behavioral interventionist, I provide 1:1 therapy to children with autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, down-syndrome and many other developmentally delayed disorders. I provide these services in the home, community, and/or school. A behavioral interventionist has a main job duty and that is to utilize and apply Applied Behavioral Analysis principles to developmentally delayed clients. The main goal of behavior therapy is to diminish specific behaviors by equipping clients with the social tools to make better choices. For example, if a certain child has stereotypy or self-stimulatory behavior which means to have repetitive body movements or vocal sounds, you would use ABA tactics to help decrease those behaviors and instead redirect

Behavior Analysis is the scientific study of behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of the principles of learning and motivation from Behavior Analysis, and the procedures and technology derived from those principles, to the solution of problems of social significance. Another words ABA is a set of principles that form the basis for many behavioral treatments. ABA is based on the science of learning and behavior. This science includes general “laws” about how behavior works and how learning takes place. ABA therapy applies these laws to behavior treatments

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way that they learn.” Autistic children require special attention when it comes to learning communications and social interaction, There are many types of treatments, such as APA therapy, computer, sensory/touch, motion therapies, and meds. The word Autism was first used by Eugen Bleuler, it comes from a greek word “autos”, which means self. Although there are many different types of treatments for those who are autistic. The real question is, which treatment shows improvement in learning and communication skills? So despite cost, what actually has a positive effect?

With an increase in autism diagnosis 's there is a need for more specialized services in the area of ABA therapy. According to the Community Report on Autism (2016) 1 in 68 children nationwide are diagnosed with Autism. Creating opportunities for Autism awareness and more initiatives in research and outreach programs would build a larger clientele base for the CSH.