What is ABA?
Simply put, ABA is just good teaching!
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a psychological/educational approach to learning which believes that a behavior is learned and maintained through interactions with one’s environment. Thus, the purpose of behavioral intervention is to change the environment in order to increase the likelihood that students will be more successful. Behavioral intervention relies on providing clear instructions, breaking down complex behaviors into smaller obtainable steps, providing assistance when necessary, providing reinforcement (rewards) following demonstration of appropriate behaviors, and providing clear and accurate feedback following demonstration of inappropriate behaviors. Behavioral intervention should not just occur during a set period of time; rather, ABA should be incorporated throughout the student’s day.
There has been over 100 years of research on the principles of applied behavioral intervention. Research has shown that when behavioral intervention is implemented, individuals can learn a wide variety of skills such as: language, social skills, academic skills, self-help skills, and job related skills. Additionally, research has shown that the proper use of behavioral intervention can be effective in reducing a wide range of aberrant behaviors, including: stereotypic behavior (self-stimulation), aggression, self-injury, elopement, tantrums, non-compliance, crying, and PICA. Today, the only empirically demonstrated interventions to have positive long term effects for individuals diagnosed with autism are interventions based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis.
Ready to get started?
If you are ready to start your ABA journey, or have any questions, please contact us now! We can't wait to find out how we can help.
How To Identify Quality ABA
As a parent, deciding on what services to choose can be the most difficult decision to make. There are A LOT of choices when it comes to ABA providers, and there can be a range of quality. At Contemporary Behavior Consultants we pride ourselves on maintaining quality ABA services. One of the things that allows us to ensure this is the small size of our agency; as companies grow, quality control tends to decrease. Here are some characteristics of a quality ABA program parents should look for:
- Individualized programming
- Flexible programming that constantly adjusts based on client needs
- Meaningful goals that focus on both short term and long term desires
- Well trained direct intervention staff
- High levels of supervision by BCBA level staff (20% of hours)
- Focus on frequent parent training
- Collaboration with parents and teachers
- Fun, engaging, and natural teaching techniques when possible
- Focus on the whole child
- Considerations for entire family's needs
- Objective measurement and data based decision making
Our Publications
This guide highlights skill development in clear and behavioral frameworks, and provides parents and teachers with a wealth of information regarding goals and strategies. Sub-skills, prerequisites, and methods of instruction are outlined for each area in a methodical, easy-to-read manner
This major work provides practical guidance on teaching social skills to those with autism. The Crafting Connections book offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers Social Awareness, Social Communication, Social Interaction, Social Learning, and Social Relatedness.
The Crafting Connections book for autism is tailored to support meaningful, life-enriching relationships while remaining systematic
Clinical Judgment presents a thoughtful and encouraging history of those who paved the way in pioneering Applied Behavior Analysis, and explains how and why the field was able to develop as it did.
This handbook identifies the various social deficiencies widely associated with children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It discusses possible causes as well as the lifelong effects if these deficiencies are not addressed. The handbook presents current behavioral and curriculum-based methods for assessing social deficits.