Applied Behavior Analysis.
“What is Applied Behavior Analysis?”
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) seeks to understand the environmental and social factors that impact humans’ behaviors. Through behavioral modification, ABA focuses on the function of a behavior to modify behavioral issues and to promote appropriate, alternative behaviors as replacements. ABA also teaches appropriate emotional regulation and learning strategies with an underlying understanding that each client’s needs are different and require individualization. ABA is founded on empirical research that has sought to find what interventions are the most beneficial in promoting a successful and meaningful behavioral change.
Below are some of the skills that may be shaped using ABA!
Functional Communication.
Every child deserves the right to communicate their wants and needs in an effective way. Through functional communication training, your child will learn to ask for items, activities, and assistance, label objects and actions in their environment, and communicate socially with peers and adults. Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a proven way to reduce problem behaviors and to increase quality of life.
Social & Play Skills.
Initiating and interacting with peers and adults may be difficult for those on the spectrum. Your child also may be very rigid in play or have abnormal interests or fixations when playing with toys. Social and play programming will be utilized to help promote age-appropriate social interaction and play for your child.
Behavior Modification.
ABA increases positive behaviors by providing reinforcement while reducing negative behaviors through behavior intervention procedures. Maladaptive behaviors such as: tantrums, aggression, elopement, property destruction, and self-injury can be benefited through these modification protocols.
Daily Living Skills.
Toothbrushing, hand washing, toilet training… Have I said enough??? If you are currently struggling with these and other daily living skills, your child’s programming may be tailored to work on increased independence.