Table of Contents
Understanding ABA Therapy: A Guide to ABA Therapy Types, Benefits, and Treatment Options
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific discipline that involves the application of principles of behavior to improve socially significant behaviors. ABA therapy applies these principles to behavior treatments in a way that helps to increase useful or positive behaviors and decrease harmful or negative ones.
ABA therapy is based on the understanding that behavior is influenced by the environment and that behavior can be changed through manipulation of environmental factors. It focuses on the idea that consequences of what we do affect what we learn and what we will do in the future.
ABA therapy involves the following steps:
Assessment: The process begins with a detailed assessment of each individual’s skills and preferences. This is often done using standardized tools, like the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) or ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised), along with observations and interviews. Prior to the BCBA administered assessment, patients typically require a diagnosis assessment of Autism from a qualified healthcare professional.
Goal Setting: Based on the assessment, therapists set goals for behavior change. These goals are often related to skills that will improve the individual’s independence and overall quality of life.
Intervention: Therapists use a variety of ABA methods to teach new skills and reduce problematic behaviors. This often involves breaking down complex skills into smaller, teachable units, teaching through repeated practice, and providing positive reinforcement to encourage behavior change.
Evaluation: Therapists regularly review progress towards the goals and make adjustments as necessary. This involves ongoing data collection and analysis.
ABA therapy can be used with individuals of all ages, but it is perhaps best known for its success with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the principles of ABA can be applied to anyone in any setting, including schools, workplaces, homes, and clinics.
ABA therapy can help improve a variety of skills, including communication, social skills, self-care, play, and leisure, motor skills, learning and academics. It can also help to decrease behaviors that may be harmful or interfere with learning.
While ABA therapy can be highly effective, it’s important to note that it requires a significant commitment from both the individual and their caregivers. ABA therapy often involves many hours of therapy each week and can be intensive. However, the potential benefits in terms of improved skills and reduced problematic behaviors can be substantial.
It’s important to note that while ABA is often used with individuals with ASD, it can also be beneficial for those with other developmental disorders or behavioral issues.
Here are Some of the most common types of ABA Therapy
Discrete Trial Training (DTT):
DTT is a structured ABA technique that breaks down complex skills into smaller, teachable parts. Each “trial” consists of a clear beginning (the therapist’s instruction), the child’s response, and a clear end (the therapist’s reinforcement or correction). This method is particularly effective for teaching new behaviors and skills, with each trial being repeated multiple times in a session. The structured nature of DTT can help children learn skills they may struggle to pick up in a more naturalistic setting.
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI):
EIBI is a subtype of ABA designed for younger children, typically under the age of five. It involves intensive ABA therapy—often 20 to 40 hours per week—aimed at reducing the symptoms of autism and improving cognitive and language skills. EIBI can be delivered in a one-on-one setting (at home, at a clinic, or at school) and involves personalized treatment plans that address a wide range of skills and behaviors.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT):
PRT is a naturalistic form of ABA that aims to increase a child’s motivation to learn and communicate. Instead of focusing on individual behaviors, PRT targets “pivotal” areas of development (like motivation and response to multiple cues) that are central to a wide range of skills. The therapy is often play-based and child-initiated, making it more enjoyable and less structured than some other forms of ABA.
Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI):
VBI focuses on teaching verbal skills through the analysis of a person’s language skills. It categorizes language into types, or “verbal operants,” such as requests (“mands”), labels (“tacts”), and conversational responses (“intraverbals”). The goal is to improve communication by teaching the function of words and how they can be used to achieve desired outcomes.
Natural Environment Training (NET):
NET involves teaching skills in the natural environment where they would typically be used. For example, a child might learn social skills in a playground setting or daily living skills at home. The goal is to make learning more natural and relevant, increasing the likelihood that skills will generalize to real-world situations. NET often involves capturing a child’s motivation in the moment (“capturing the moment”) to make learning more engaging and effective.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA):
An FBA is a process that identifies specific challenging behaviors, the purpose or function of the behaviors, and what factors maintain the behavior. It involves data collection, observation, and often interviews or questionnaires. The information gathered is then used to develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that addresses the challenging behavior through a range of strategies, including teaching alternative behaviors.
Each of these ABA techniques has its strengths and is suited to different situations and learning goals. A qualified ABA therapist can help determine which approach or combination of approaches is best for each individual
