Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses psychological principles of learning in practice to modify problem behavior in people or animals. The technique is popular in several fields including healthcare, business management, animal training and education ( AppliedBehaviorAnaysisEdu.org, 2018) . A simple example of ABA that is often used in daily life is the “time out” that is applied as a form of punishment to misbehaving children. This technique was developed by Dr. Montrose Wolf in the 1960s while developing treatment for 3-year old autistic children ( AppliedBehaviorAnaysisEdu.org, 2018) . Dr. Wolf understood that the children’s tantrums were encouraged by the attention given by adults and used this fact to find an effective solution.
The “time out” and by extension, the fundamental principles of ABA were developed by B.F Skinner with his theory of operant conditioning. He used the Skinner box to prove his assumption ( AppliedBehaviorAnaysisEdu.org, 2018) . The box had two levers that a mouse placed in it would eventually stumble upon while moving around. The first lever if pressed would provide food while the second one activated an electric grid on the floor of the box. Over time, the mouse learned to press the food providing lever and avoid the shocking one. From these results the ABC’s of ABA, which rest of the observation of any behavior to have consequences, were developed.
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In the Acronym ABC, A stands for antecedent which is the initial circumstance that precedes or causes behavior. B is for behavior which is how the subject reacts to the antecedent. C is for consequence which is the reinforcing reaction that follows the behavior to either encourage or discourage it ( AppliedBehaviorAnaysisEdu.org, 2018) . For instance with the Skinner box, the antecedent is the mouse moving around in the box, the behavior is accidentally pressing the levers while either getting food or being shocked in the consequence. In this case, getting food is a positive reinforcement that encourages the behavior to continue while the shock is negative reinforcement that makes the behavior to stop.
The described scenario is a simplification of how ABA techniques are applied to modify problem behaviors. The actual process is a bit more complex and strictly systematic. The first step is usually identifying the problem behavior to be changed, after which it is measured and analyzed. This step allows a therapist to determine the frequency of the bad habit and any external factors that may encourage it ( AppliedBehaviorAnaysisEdu.org, 2018). A clear plan for intervention is then made and implemented in a controlled manner. Controlled implementation allows whichever strategies are proven to be successful to be replicated effectively to similar cases ( GoodTherapy.org, 2018) . Constant evaluation is important throughout the behavior modification process as it allows therapists to determine its effectiveness and whether adjustment is needed.
The following are examples therapies that are typically used in ABA for evidence based practice. Discrete Trial Training (DTT), which uses a positive reinforcement, is done when a list of skills is broken down into manageable parts and each step is taught separately ( GoodTherapy.org, 2018) . A reward is given for each correct response to reinforce it. Incorrect responses are followed by an instruction that can guide the subject toward the correct response. Incidental training uses an approach similar to DTT but it works to teach behaviors within the context of the child’s daily life ( AppliedBehaviorAnaysisEdu.org, 2018) Therefore, teaching is incorporated into the child’s routine such as school or playtime as opposed to being restricted to the therapist’s office like DTT. Pivotal response training teaches skills that affect a wide range of behaviors by using one major skill. As the child works on the pivotal skill, the parents or guardians note improvements in other areas ( GoodTherapy.org, 2018) . This technique helps to generalize positive behavioral changes in a patient by applying them in everyday life.
Applied Behavior analysis has been used in evidence based practice settings in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In fact, ABA is considered the only scientifically valid therapy for the disorder and it has been used a successful intervention since the 1960s when it was first developed for a class setting. Most children learn social and developmental skills from observing others, but this does not happen for autistic children as they do not develop empathy and theory of mind ( GoodTherapy.org, 2018) . It is specifically efficient in reducing aggressive and self-mutilating behaviors displayed by some autistic children. ABA is also effective in instilling social skills needed for interaction with others in the society. These techniques work because they teach behavior using the basic instincts of pain and pleasure so even if the child does not understand the underlying logic, they can learn positive habits ( Center for Autism and Related Disorders, n.d.) . The repetitiveness and predictability of ABA fits well with autistic children as they usually need structure and routine to regulate them.
Applied behavior analysis has been proven to be very effective by research. For instance, a study in 2006 was done to compare two groups of 21 children each in a public school special education class. The results showed that 17 students in the group that went through ABA became integrated into regular classes as compared to only one student in the control group which did not receive therapy ( Center for Autism and Related Disorders, n.d.) . According to the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, at least 80% of registered members reported using ABA effectively with children displaying ASD characteristics. Besides, this mode of treatment is widely recognized by numerous federal bodies and research institutions and recommended by autism advocacy groups.
References
AppliedBehaviorAnaysisEdu.org. (2018). What is Applied Behavior Analysis? Retrieved from https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-aba/
Center for Autism and Related Disorders. (n.d.). The Center for Autism and Related Disorders: Globalizing Autism Treatment and Awareness. Retrieved from http://www.centerforautism.com/aba-therapy.aspx
GoodTherapy.org. (2018, March 8). Applied Behavior Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/applied-behavior-therapy
