How to Use ABA in Autism Therapy
Applied Behavioral Analysis is a systematic approach to teaching autistic children. This behavioral teaching strategy is commonly confused with discrete trial but discrete trial is a component of ABA and the terms are not really interchangeable. Applied Behavioral Analysis is a method of teaching based in behavioral therapy. Other programs aside from discrete trial also use the principals of ABA including Pivotal Response Training and Natural Environment Training.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Rewards for the child
- Goals and objectives
- Method of recording data
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1
Assure that the program is ABA-based by following a checklist. The activities need to be systematic, behavior-based, motivating and able to be applied to different settings. The system should be clear enough that another instructor or caretaker can easily follow the program.
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Establish goals and objectives for the child to achieve. These goals and objectives should be easily broken down into small steps. Focus on observable behavior that can be measured and evaluated with ease.
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3
Break down the task into small steps. Instead of introducing the entire task of eating a meal, the therapist breaks down the task into steps that are mastered in consecutive order. The first step for mealtime would be to master sitting at the table. The target directive would be "come sit" for this task.
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Record all responses in an objective manner. Avoid using emotionally-packed words and focus strictly on the response as correct, incorrect or non-responsive. If there are two consecutive incorrect or non-responsive reactions, give a prompt for the correct response. Record whether the response was prompted.
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Make sure that each and every correct response is rewarded immediately and in a meaningful way. Begin rewarding with tangible things like a treat or a favorite toy. Remain consistent with rewards until the skill is mastered.
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Create a well-organized learning environment that is free of clutter and confusion. Motivating toys and treats should be kept out of sight but readily available as rewards. The focus should be on the target goal.
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Ignore negative behavior unless the behavior is a non-negotiable like hitting or throwing objects. The focus of Applied Behavior Analysis is always on the positive. Negative or incorrect responses get little or no attention or feedback. The idea is to show the child what is expected, not to punish negative behavior.
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Evaluate progress. A task is typically mastered when the child gives a correct behavioral response between 80 and 100 percent of the time. The percentage for mastery is determined on a case-by-case basis.
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Generalize the steps that have been mastered in different settings. Begin with simple steps that are easily achievable for the child. Consistently prompt for correct reactions and reward correct responses following the rules of ABA in all settings.
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Fade prompts and rewards gradually as the child demonstrated mastery on a consistent basis. Ideally, the child will begin to naturally follow through and put the steps together independently, without prompts or rewards.
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Tips & Warnings
Some steps will be quickly mastered while others may take a long time.
Always remain consistent and follow through.
Reward correct responses and positive behavior immediately.
Avoid inadvertently rewarding negative behavior by giving into tantrums.
Do not ignore correct responses.
