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What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

For children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific-based practice that focuses on explaining, predicting, and changing behaviors so that they become more socially meaningful. Socially meaningful behaviors may include such actions as greeting others with eye contact, sustaining conversation, and shaking another’s hand when meeting them for the first time. ABA practitioners draw on research-based behavioral principles to determine the best therapeutic tactics, and to identify the right system of rewards and encouragement that motivates your child to change inappropriate behaviors. Multiple forms of positive reinforcement are used, which help ensure that inappropriate behaviors are replaced while appropriate behaviors are maintained.

How can Greenwich Education Group and ABA Therapy help my child?

As with our entire staff, the Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and ABA therapists at Greenwich Education Group focus their instruction on meeting the needs and skills of each individual child. First, after assessing your child to determine what behaviors he or she can perform and what skills are missing, your child’s BCBA develops a program customized exclusively for him or her. Next, using advanced data collection and ongoing graphing analysis, we track and monitor each student’s progress regularly to ensure that your child is learning optimally. Our BCBAs are also trained to do Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP). Functional Behavior Assessments determine the cause of a particular behavior through in-context observations of the environment and related factors. A Behavior Intervention Plan provides instructions for caretakers to manage inappropriate behaviors and teach replacement behaviors at home, school, or in social settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can Applied Behavior Analysis be used?

ABA can be used in a clinical setting, a school setting, a home setting, or even a work environment.

Who can benefit from Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy?

ABA is recognized as one of foremost therapies offered to individuals diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). What makes ABA unique when compared to other therapies is its scientifically proven efficacy in treating individuals diagnosed with ASD. More than 550 published articles support the consistent use of ABA techniques starting as soon as a child is diagnosed with ASD. Outside of ASD, ABA has been found to be effective for other individuals diagnosed with disabilities. Current research even supports its use with typically developing individuals.

What types of skills can be taught with Applied Behavior Analysis?

ABA is used to teach a wide range of skills. To name a few, ABA is used successfully to teach play skills, social skills, academic skills, and organizational skills. Most important to the ABA therapist, however, are the needs of the child who receives ABA treatment. The skills most likely to be taught by an ABA therapist are those that are most important to the child’s healthy social, emotional, and academic development.

Why does Applied Behavior Analysis work?

There is no single answer to this question other than scientific research has shown it to be successful. However, from a nonpractitioner’s perspective, some of the key tools used by a behavior analyst include positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors and consistent follow-through of verbal intentions.

For more information about our Behavior Services, please call Greenwich Education Group at 203.661.1609.