What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven clinical approach to the practice of the learning theory in a systematic way to modify behavior. The practice is used most extensively in special education and the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA is widely recognized as the only scientifically valid therapy available for treating behavioral issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Who is affected?
ASD affects people of every race, ethnic group, and socioeconomic background. It is four times more common among boys than girls. The CDC estimates that about 1 in every 54 children in the US has been identified with having ASD.
ABA stands for applied behavior analysis. It is a proven clinical approach to the application of learning therapy to modify behavior. Used extensively in special education and treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ABA is widely recognized as the only scientifically valid therapy for treating behavioral issues associated with ASD.
Because ASD affects people from every race, ethnic group, and background and is estimated to affect 1 in 44 children in the US[1], having proven methods to modify behavior in individuals with ASD is crucial. ABA provides a scientific, evidence-based approach that can help alleviate social and behavioral struggles associated with ABA.
We strive to apply the principles of ABA to your child’s case to best care for them and help them flourish.
Three principles of ABA we use include:
Behaviors are affected by their environment: Nothing happens in a vacuum. We understand how the environment affects the way we act and how environments play a dramatic role in the behaviors of children with autism. By understanding this, we can take steps to affect the experience within that environment.
Behaviors can be enhanced or weakened by their consequences: If you’ve ever won a contest, you’ll understand what we mean. Using the prize as a positive consequence, the people putting on the contest were able to affect your behavior. Likewise, by leveraging the effects of behaviors, we can affect their frequency.
Behavior changes are more effective with positive instead of negative reinforcement: We strongly believe in positive reinforcement for behaviors. Changes brought on by positive reinforcement are much longer-lasting, much better received, and lead to a happier child than negative reinforcement.
Our professional and dedicated team recognizes that, like your child, every case of ASD is unique. Every individual reacts differently to each approach, so you must devise a specialized treatment for each person. Our team is dedicated to discovering and developing the best treatment method for your family’s specific experience. Contact us to find out how ABA can help your family today.
