WHAT IS ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis also known as “ABA” is an evidence based treatment for Autism and related disorders. ABA targets and focuses on many aspects such as communication, social skills, daily living skills and reduction of maladaptive behavior.
Once a diagnosis is established, the process of ABA can begin. Early intervention is KEY! Intensive ABA therapy can begin as early as 2 years of age!
ABA focuses on various strategies and techniques. One method involves reinforcement. An example of reinforcement can be seen by providing praise when a child does well on exam. For instance, Dan received an A on his exam. His mother then says “Great Job” or he may even receive a dollar for his great grade. ABA also relies heavily on the “ABC’s.” What are these ABC’s of ABA? Don’t worry, it’s easy as 1,2,3!
Behavior Analysis | ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific discipline that has demonstrated to be an effective treatment to reduce maladaptive behaviors and develop more functional skills that replace those undesired behaviors. ABA is based on the fact that an individual’s behavior is determined by past and current environmental events and can be modified with the use effectively of reinforcements and extinguishing procedures of non-desired behaviors.
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ABA analyzes and evaluates an individual’s performance, function of the behaviors, and environmental variables based on observations. The information accumulated is used by a lead analyst to design and plan the implementation of a behavioral program that targets undesired behaviors, learning objectives, and modifications to the environment to produce meaningful changes.
What is the evidence
that ABA works?
ABA is considered an evidence-based best practice treatment by the US Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association.
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“Evidence based” means that ABA has passed scientific tests of its usefulness, quality, and effectiveness. ABA therapy includes many different techniques. All of these techniques focus on antecedents (what happens before a behavior occurs) and on consequences (what happens after the behavior).
More than 20 studies have established that intensive and long-term therapy using ABA principles improves outcomes for many but not all children with autism. “Intensive” and “long term” refer to programs that provide 25 to 40 hours a week of therapy for 1 to 3 years. These studies show gains in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills and social functioning. Studies with adults using ABA principles, though fewer in number, show similar benefits.
Is ABA covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Many types of private health insurance are required to cover ABA services. This depends on what kind of insurance you have, and what state you live in.​ All Medicaid plans must cover treatments that are medically necessary for children under the age of 21. If a doctor prescribes ABA and says it is medically necessary for your child, Medicaid must cover the cost.​ Please see our insurance resources for more information about insurance and coverage for autism services. ​​
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior.
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Behavior analysis helps us to understand:
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How behavior works
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How behavior is affected by the environment
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How learning takes place
ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.
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ABA therapy programs can help:
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Increase language and communication skills
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Improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics
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Decrease problem behaviors
The methods of behavior analysis have been used and studied for decades. They have helped many kinds of learners gain different skills – from healthier lifestyles to learning a new language. Therapists have used ABA to help children with autism and related developmental disorders since the 1960s.
