The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis was founded in 1968.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has greatly developed since then and is often used in childhood development and behavior research. It’s especially common in teaching positive behaviors to kids with autism.
This type of therapy is learned through years of research, study, and implementation. Anyone learning ABA therapy will learn major techniques to use with their clients.
Discover more about ABA and 5 major techniques used within this type of therapy as you continue to read.
What Exactly Is ABA?
ABA is an evidence-based practice aiding in helping individuals with motor skills, communication, and behavioral difficulties. It helps therapists understand a client’s behavior, how the environment is affecting it, and how learning can better take place within the environment.
The overarching goal of this therapy type is to decrease negative behaviors and encourage a greater pattern of positive behaviors. Clients will show improved communication skills, better decision-making, and increased focus.
If done correctly, ABA can be adapted to appropriately meet the specific needs of the client. It can be performed in group settings or one-on-one.
Techniques Used Within ABA
There are several main techniques used within the practice of ABA. These techniques take plenty of practice to get right so be patient with yourself if you’re learning them.
Those using ABA should maintain consistency when using these techniques, especially with kids with autism. Environments will change but remaining consistent helps a child learn a skill much faster.
1. Modeling
This technique is fairly self-explanatory! The therapist models a visual or audible example that the client is expected to repeat in appropriate circumstances.
A modeling situation may be as simple as a therapist giving an example of how to ask a friend for a toy. The therapist may say, “Hello, may I play with the truck?” The client is then expected to repeat the phrase when they’d like to play with their friend’s toy.
Depending on how expansive a client’s vocabulary or motor skills are, the modeling is altered to reflect the current abilities and goals of the client. Instead of using a full sentence to ask to play with a toy, a therapist may simply model by saying, “Truck, please.”
2. Positive Reinforcement
One of the most well-known techniques in ABA is positive reinforcement. In this technique, the client receives a reward every time they showcase a positive behavior.
The type of reinforcer differs depending on what the client likes. The client may prefer candy, verbal reinforcement, or tickles.
As the client uses the positive behavior more, the frequency of reward may be reduced. Some therapists may even use a token system. Every time the client shows positive behavior, they earn a token.
Once they earn a certain number of tokens, they’ll receive a big reward such as time with their favorite toy or a snack.
3. PECS
A picture exchange communication system (PECS) is typically used with young children, especially with those who may be nonverbal. The child selects a picture to communicate a need to their therapist.
An example of this would be a child becoming thirsty but not being able to verbally communicate it to their therapist. They would select the icon of a glass of water to give. This lets the therapist know they’re thirsty.
As the child learns new words and phrases, more icons are created. It will take some time for the children to learn the icons so make sure to be patient with them.
4. Discrete Trial Training
Discrete trial training (DTT) takes place in a controlled environment on an individual basis. This time is great for children who become easily distracted or need extra one-on-one time when learning a new skill.
To start DTTs, the therapist will present a prompt. If the child responds correctly, they’ll reward the child. They’ll provide correction if the child gives an incorrect response.
The goal of DTT is to reach a point with the client where they are showcasing a positive response autonomously. The therapist decides when it’s appropriate to fade out the prompts.
5. Naturalistic Teaching
One of the newest ABA techniques is naturalistic teaching. It’s a highly personalized way of teaching skills that brings the therapist into the client’s everyday environment.
Think about how difficult it would be to teach a child how to ask for dinner if they were sitting in your chair in an office with no food in sight. It’s much easier to teach these types of behaviors while navigating the child’s organic world.
This kind of teaching is great for social skills because the client isn’t being isolated in a formal setting. It also gives a greater look at what possible triggers that cause negative behavior may exist for the child.
Finding an ABA Therapist for Your Child
If you’re interested in working with an ABA therapist to help your child, it’s important to find someone with the correct training and education. A board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) should have at least a Master’s in psychology, national certification, and a license (depending on the state).
Ask potential ABA providers about how much experience their BCBAs have and how many are licensed through the state. Inquire about the training the BCBAs have received.
It’s also best to ask what the structure typically looks like when working with a specific provider. Ask how they determine your child’s goals and what techniques they commonly use to reach these goals.
To help with affording this type of therapy, inquire about which insurance providers your BCBA accepts.
Common Techniques: ABA Therapy
Whether you’re learning about ABA or have a loved one working with a BCBA, it’s important to know about ABA and the techniques often used within this type of therapy.
The ultimate goal of ABA is to increase positive behavior and improve communication and behavioral skills. Common techniques used include modeling, DTTs, PECS, naturalistic teaching, and positive reinforcement.
Are you interested in enrolling your child in ABA therapy? Check out the rest of our site and a full list of our services. Enroll your child today!