Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically proven, research-based therapy used to study and improve human behavior. Its main purpose is to help children with different negative behaviors due to autism so that they can develop a positive mindset and manners.
ABA studies the child’s behavior in depth to identify the root cause and then implements various skills to alter their negative behavior and help them appear better. According to research, there is a significant increase in the cases of autism, so demand for certified behavior analysts has increased.
Positive Reinforcement: A-B-C Formula
Positive reinforcement is a psychological therapy widely used around the world, which is part of applied behavior analysis. It is believed that if a person’s work or behavior makes them satisfied or happy, they repeat it again and again.
The therapist uses the same technique when educating the children by giving them appreciation for every good behavior and ignoring the bad behavior, which helps them understand the difference between them.
This program’s first approach is to develop positive behavior in the child through behavioral assessment. They absorb the behavior in detail, for example, the reaction when his name is called, or teaching toilet training, or crying when they need anything.
Then, after considering these factors, the therapist identifies what makes the child happy: his ”reinforcer,” which is used to develop the child’s overall positive behavior.
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Antecedent
Antecedents are the triggers that occur before a child’s behavior. It could be a sound, a place, an order, a picture, a feeling of hunger, or tiredness. For example, a mother told her child, ” Eat properly,” which is the antecedent.
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Behavior
Behavior is the reaction caused by an antecedent, which can be positive or negative. When the mother told the child to eat properly, the child started eating properly. That’s his behavior.
- Consequence
The consequence is the result that comes after the behavior. If a child is given appreciation when he eats properly, this will be a positive reinforcement for him.
Goals During Treatment
The main goal of ADA treatment is to help the child become independent so he can perform his daily tasks without relying on others. They can’t cure them, but teach them skills that help them to survive in society.
It teaches the child social interaction, sharing toys with friends, and making eye contact. Controlling emotions is also an important goal of ADA training so that the child can manage his irritation and anger during a meltdown.
Steps a Certified Behavior Analyst Follows
- A Behavior analyst’s first step is an assessment to evaluate the child’s skills and behavior at the beginning. They saved all records of his behavior from direct observation and his behavior assessment phase.
- Then the analyst creates a suitable strategy for the child by writing the goals and choosing his reinforcers properly for the reward.
- The behavior analyst then implements his strategy repeatedly in a natural environment.
- The analyst first helps the child with the task, but gradually stops helping so the child learns to do it independently. This approach is prompting and prompt fading.
- In the last analysis, determine which reinforcer works for the child and which environment helps him learn the skills much better. Later, he applied the same approach to develop his skills and guide the parents about it.