WHAT IS APPLIED BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS (ABA) AND HOW HAS IT CHANGED?

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

If your child has recently been diagnosed, you are likely wondering, “What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), anyway”? Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an evidence based and science backed teaching methodology that is used to help increase or decrease a particular behaviour. “Evidence based” means that it is supported by large amount of scientific research of its usefulness, quality and effectiveness. The basic premise of ABA is that we can break down skills into component parts and encourage learning through repetition and encouragement.

ABA is used across many different industries and disciplines, including education, mental health, organizational management, and more.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) vs. Autism

ABA therapy has long been the golden standard in teaching children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It differs from most other approaches used to teach children with Autism primarily because it focuses on modifying factors in the environment to help break down barriers to learning and development, and to help increase foundational skills that foster independence. For example, ABA therapy is used to help increase co-operation, decrease tantrums/physical aggression/self-injurious behaviours, increase learner readiness and academic skills, increase language and communicative repertoires, and adaptive learning skills, like fine motor, hygiene, job competence, independence in daily living and more.

ABA therapy includes many different science and data driven techniques. All of these techniques focus on analyzing the environmental factors that contribute to the ABC’s (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence) of behavior. An antecedent is what occurs right before the behavior. The behavior is the individual’s response or lack of response to the antecedent. The consequence is what comes immediately after the behavior. ABA therapy works to modify both Antecedent and Consequence factors to help foster socially significant changes in behaviour.  Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) document and analyze a learner’s ABC’s of behaviour to better understand why a behaviour may or may not be happening and determine which antecedents and consequences are influencing whether the behaviour or skill is likely to happen again in the future..

It has been shown* that consistent and early ABA therapy can significantly improve behaviours and skills, and decrease the need for special services.

HOW ABA TODAY IS DIFFERENT THAN IN THE PAST

ABA therapy has evolved over the past decade. Whereas past ABA methodologies were teacher led and children were required to follow a prescribed curriculum, current ABA methodologies are focused on naturalistic teaching and take advantage of natural child led opportunities to encourage and foster skill acquisition and long term retention of skills.

At Superminds, our programs are natural, evidence based and data driven. We always meet children where they are and teach children functional and foundational skills in progression. This helps children feel empowered to reach their micro and macro goals and ensures a positive learning environment along the way. We understand that children with Autism simply process the world a little differently that their neurotypical peers, and the dynamic approach of our programs ensures our programs are well equipped to meet the diverse needs of all our learners.

Why this tool is so powerful.

1. It's visual. Visuals provide a pressure-free way to communicate during moments of heightened emotions when the limbic system (emotional brain) takes over the pre-frontal cortex (logical brain). With clear visuals and supportive language, visuals beautifully help guide children in identifying sensations, emotions, and physical needs, in a pressure free way, which helps improve their interoception (awareness of what's happening inside their body) and their ability to express what they're experiencing.
2. It models language It's important to model language from the child's perspective and avoid asking questions like “What's wrong?” because (a) oftentimes children are unable to communicate that during moments of stress (limbic system takeover) and (b) children who use echolalia to communicate might simply repeat the question, which can become their default way of expressing that something is wrong, leading to communication breakdowns!

• If a child lays their head down, yawns, or shows low energy, we will point to the image that says “I'm tired” and mention that it seems like they are feeling tired based on their body language.
• If a child reaches for their snack or drink, we will point to an image that says “I'm hungry” or “I'm thirsty”, and then point to the image that says “food” or “drink”, respectively.
• If a child covers his/her ears, we will point to an image that says “It's too loud” and then point to the image that says “Headphones” or “Let's leave”
• If a child walks away from an activity, we will point to the image that says "A break or to rest”