What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
In the textbook Applied Behavior Analysis, Cooper, Heron, and Heward (1987) define ABA as follows:
"Applied behavior analysis is the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behavior are systematically applied to improve socially significant behavior to a meaningful degree and to demonstrate experimentally that the procedures employed were responsible for the improvement in behavior."
The Seven Dimensions of ABA are:
- Applied: Changing behaviors of social significance
- Behavioral: Behaviors must be measurable, observable and in need of improvement
- Analytics: Demonstration that the intervention was responsible for the change in the target behavior (functional relationship)
- Technological: Procedures are written with detail and clarity, able to be repeated
- Effective: Interventions improved the target behavior in a meaningful, significant way
- Conceptually Systematic: Applied interventions arise from a specific and identifiable theoretical base rather than being a set of packages or tricks
- Generality: Behavior should be demonstrated across different environments, materials, situations, people, other behaviors and time
Baer, D.M., Wolf, M.M., & Risley, T. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 1, 91-97.
What does this mean for my child?
This means that by using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, your trained team will assess skill level along with environmental variables to determine the function of behaviors targeted to degrease. The team will also assess current strengths and weaknesses to determine appropriate functional skills to target as teaching tools. Using scientifically proven methods, and individualized program will be designed utilizing data-based decision making to meet your chill's unique learning style to increase functional skills.
Each child is different, so therefore each program is different and will be designed to move at your child's pace. We work as a team, including parents, siblings, teachers and other service providers, to provide the most effective for your child.