Applied Behavior Analysis

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Applied Behavior Analysis is a field of psychology. Behavior Analysis is the science of behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to meaningful degree (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968/1987).

ABA methods can be used to:

• Teach new skills such as language, academic, self-help, fine and gross motor skills

• Generalize or transfer new behavior from one situation to another (e.g., from communicating with caregivers in the home, to interacting with classmates at school).

• Modify conditions under which interfering behaviors occur (e.g., changing the learning environment so as to foster attention to the instructor).

• Reduce inappropriate / maladaptive behaviors such as self-injury, aggression, tantrums and or self-stimulatory behaviors.

WHY ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis is evidenced based to be the most effective treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

ABA at The Reason for HOPE

Our early childhood ABA Therapy is designed for children ages 12 months to 6  years of age. This intensive program uses incidental teaching and  discrete trial training to focus heavily on teaching new skills. We focus heavily on skill acquisition targets such as language development, social, play and academic skills and potty training within a group environment yet individualized to each specific child. One-on-One ABA Therapy focuses on skill acquisition targets as indicated in the paragraph above in addition to problematic behaviors such as feeding struggles, aggression, tantrums, self-injurious behaviors and property  destruction.