Using Applied Behavior Analysis in Daily Activities
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically-based intervention which focuses on teaching new skills; maintaining or increasing appropriate behaviors; helping to generalize skills in different environments; and reducing or eliminating inappropriate or problem behaviors. ABA has been proven to be an effective intervention for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when supervised by a certified behavior analyst. ABA techniques may sometimes seem un-natural, prompted, and rigid. However, these structured and consistent teaching methods reduce distractions and allow for focused learning.
ABA techniques can be used in all aspects of life and can improve the quality of life for a child and his or her family.
- Often, children ASD need to learn appropriate skills for routine daily activities. When teaching and practicing these skills, it is important to reinforce the child when he or she is successful to encourage these actions to continue.
- Larger activities may need to be broken down into smaller parts and reinforced before a full activity is learned. Sometimes these rewards may seem out of place, as the child may not understand the efforts toward a larger goal. These reinforcers motivate continued learning.
- When working to change inappropriate or challenging behaviors, it is helpful to identify why the child may be engaging in the behavior. See a challenging behavior from his or her point of view in order to intervene effectively.
- Prompting may be needed to assist the child in learning a skill, but should be reduced or eliminated as soon as possible. Use the least amount of prompting necessary. If the child is not doing the activity independently, first try to tell him or her to do it. If the verbal instruction doesn’t work, point or make a gesture. Then, if the instruction is not followed, physically prompt to carry out the task but back away to allow the child to complete the task without full assistance. Keep practicing and fading away your prompts to promote independence.
- It is important to teach a child appropriate skills in order to replace inappropriate behaviors. Take the time to observe what happens before and after the behavior occurs. Notice how you or others respond to this behavior as that can be reinforcing the actions. You can use an “A-B-C” (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequences) worksheet to identify behavior patterns and motivators for problem behavior and help to develop strategies to change the behaviors. A blank worksheet can be found at www.childrens-specialized.org/KohlsAutismAwareness.
Additional Resources:
101 Ways To Do ABA!: Practical and amusing positive behavioral tips for implementing Applied Behavior Analysis strategies in your home, classroom, and in the community Tameika Meadows; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; ISBN 1478242108
Activity Schedules for Children With Autism, Second Edition: Teaching Independent Behavior (Topics in Autism) Lynn E. McClannahan, Patricia Krantz; Woodbine House; ISBN 160613003X
An Introduction to Behavioral Health Treatments : A Parent’s Guide
Applied Behavioral Analysis – Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
Applied Behavior Analysis for Asperger’s Children
Applied Behavioral Analysis: Getting to Know ABA
Bringing ABA to Home, School, and Play for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Disabilities Debra Leach Ed.D. BCBA; Brookes Publishing; ISBN 1598572407
Instructional Strategies: Prompting Hierarchies
Raising a Child With Autism: A Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis for Parents Shira Richman; Jessica Kingsley Publishing; ISBN 1853029106
Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals (JKP Essentials Series) (Jkp Essential Series) Albert J. Kearney, Jessica Kingley Publishing; ISBN 1843108607
What is ABA Therapy Now, Really?