When typing “Applied Behavior Analysis” or “ABA” into a search engine, the majority of links that appear will direct you to websites explaining the treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Although ABA is most well known for its effectiveness as a treatment for autism, its benefits on human behavior extend well beyond just those with an autism diagnosis.
The topic of behavioral change leads people to assume that there first must be behavioral challenges. Although that is true, the ‘challenges’ are not always the child throwing a temper tantrum or the teenager knocking items off of a shelf in the store.
Instead, professionals in the field, or those who are more familiar with the techniques used in ABA, might think of a child with Down syndrome, who struggles completing daily living activities, such as putting on their socks and shoes or drinking out of an open face cup. We may think of a neurotypical teenager, who just began getting into fights at school when previously he had a clean record. We may think of a child with ADD, who is failing their classes during virtual learning due to their lack of attending to work tasks.
The list below discusses just a few of the different aspects of behavior that ABA targets to increase quality of life for all.
Communication Barriers
One of the most important uses of ABA is teaching individuals an effective way to communicate. Expressing oneself is a skill that many kids, and adults, struggle with. Giving these individuals the tools necessary to effectively communicate their wants, needs, and emotions is necessary for a quality life. ABA focuses on functional communication through positive reinforcement of a communication system such as vocal communication, sign language, picture exchange systems, or augmentative communication devices.
These skills are taught through a process called shaping, where first approximations are taught and rewarded, and then as the child masters the skill, the professional will increase the approximation needed to receive the reward.
For example, if teaching a child to say “more” in sign language, the professional will contrive situations where the child will have motivation for “more” of an item (such as chips or candy). The professional will physically prompt the child to sign ‘more,’ and then give them a piece of candy. The next time, the professional may not give as much physical prompts, and expect that the child gives an approximation of the sign with only a model prompt. This process continues until the child is independently communicating the sign.
Behavioral challenges in home and school
There is a plethora of reasons that a child or individual may begin engaging in challenging behaviors, even seemingly out of nowhere. Our environment has a direct effect on our behavior, and as the environment changes, so does our behavior.
If a child is suddenly being bullied at school, you may notice that their behavior at home starts to change. They may withdraw and hide in their room all evening, or they may even lash out and engage in aggression toward their siblings.
Another example is if parents go through a divorce and one parent moves out, the child may have limited understanding of the situation and, therefore, may begin behaving in a way that startles the caregivers.
When working with challenging behaviors, it is ABA’s ultimate goal to replace those challenging behaviors with positive ones that are more effective in giving that child what he or she needs.
Daily Living Skills
Many individuals struggle with everyday tasks that may seem straightforward to others.
Examples of daily living tasks include: getting a haircut, brushing teeth, or preparing a meal. These processes are taught using an ABA principle called a Task Analysis that breaks down the task into small steps. These steps are then taught one at a time, or all at once, with prompts and assistance until the individual is able to complete the task himself.
Haircuts and teeth brushing are often times a daily living skill that children can have intolerance to due to sensory defensiveness. ABA assists in increasing tolerance during these activities by pairing them with positive rewards.
ADD/ADHD
Individuals that are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, or even children who do not have diagnoses but are considered by their caregivers or teachers to be hyperactive, can benefit from ABA treatment.
ABA is frequently used to increase tolerance in remaining seated during learning opportunities, as well as increase attendance to tasks that may be considered difficult or nonpreferred to that child.
Mental Health Disorders
Bipolar, depression, and anxiety are all examples of fairly common mental health disorders seen in individuals at every stage of life. These mental health disorders often times directly effect how the person behaves in response to their triggers.
ABA, in addition to other mental heath services, can be useful in teaching individuals experiencing a decline in their mental health, whether it is situational or chronic, the necessary strategies to respond to their triggers in a more functional and appropriate way.
The assumption that ABA only treats individuals with autism who engage in difficult or inappropriate behaviors is far from the truth. This belief may turn someone off to the idea of ABA, believing that it cannot be beneficial to themselves or their child if they don’t demonstrate these stereotypical behaviors.
ABA uses a multitude of strategies and techniques that are always individualized to your child’s specific needs and ways of learning. The science behind ABA emphasizes the teaching of socially significant behaviors that improve one’s quality of life.
If your child is engaging in any behaviors that you find to be challenging, even if they do not have a diagnosis of any kind, reach out to a professional in your area or get a referral from your primary care physician. There are many people in your corner ready to help you get to the place you want your family to be.