What is Applied Behavior Analysis?(as adapted from IL-ABA)

Behavior analysis is a scientific discipline.  It has theoretical, experimental, and applied branches; distinct research methods, scientific journals, textbooks, scholarly and professional organizations, and university training programs; as well as well-established, widely recognized professional practitioner standards and credentials.  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of the science to produce meaningful improvements in socially significant behaviors, and the practice of ABA is a profession.

 

Everyday practices may include (Behavior Analytic Certification Board, 2014):

• Developing an intervention plan to decrease behaviors such as self-injury, aggression, tantrums or increase behaviors such as academic work, physical abilities and language.

• Training interventions (behavior technicians and caregivers) to carry out selected aspects of protocols with the client in every day settings.  The behavior analyst may implement protocols as well.

• Ongoing supervision and monitoring of interventionists.

• Ongoing, frequent direct observation measurement of target behaviors and review and analysis of graphed data.

• Adjusting protocols and targets based on the data, and training interventionists to implement the revised protocols.

• Periodically reviewing progress with the client, caregivers, intervention team, and funders (where applicable).

Who provides services?

The National Certification Board, Behavior Analysis Certification Board (www.bacb.com) has established guidelines and required credentials that qualify a person to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) which include a minimum of Master’s Degree, required coursework, supervision hours, and passing a rigorous certification exam.  Other levels include a doctoral level, an assistant level, and technician level.

Who do we service?

We service any individuals in need of behavior change but are most commonly known for working with children and adults diagnosed with autism, developmental disabilities, and/or behavior disorders.  In IL, common settings to employ a Behavior Analyst include, but are not limited to: agencies that provide in-home and in-clinic therapy to children, group homes for children and adults, hospitals, therapeutic day schools, and public schools.


*ABA is not just a theory, a therapy, methodology, or set of techniques.  It is one of many therapies or treatments for autism (Dillenburger & Keenan, 2009) or a one size fits all approach.  It is not a fad or eclectic approach to “cure” a diagnosis.

 

For more information about ABA therapy and how it can work for your child,

please give us a call at (224)256-2607