Applied Behavior Analysis ( ABA )
Q & A Answering ABA Queries from Parents
By Angela West , MS , BCBA , LBA
An ABA therapist answers parents ’ most pressing questions about ABA therapy .
Q how is a child ’ s progress measured / monitored in ABA ?
A Data collection is critical in ABA therapy , enabling therapists to access behaviors and develop goals and a treatment plan while consistently monitoring progress . A child ’ s progress is measured and monitored through constant data collection . Several different methods may be utilized based on the intended goals .
� Frequency & Rate Recording : counting and recording the number of times a behavior is exhibited within a set time frame
� Duration Recording : the length of time a behavior occurs , sometimes used in place of frequency recording when a behavior varies or is too rapid to count , i . e . tantrums
� Latency Recording : measuring the time between a verbal cue and the performance of a behavior
� ABC Data ( Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence ): monitoring the events occurring before a behavior , the response behavior , and the behavior ’ s consequences to help define correlations
� Scatterplot Analysis : assists in correlating time of day and behaviors
� Interval Recording : can be helpful when constant data recording is not able to be completed
Q
� Time Sampling : a variation of interval recording involving breaking up larger time intervals into smaller blocks , i . e . 1 minute out of every 15-minute block
How long is treatment typically ?
A ABA treatment varies with each child ’ s specific needs . Typically , 30 to 40 hours per week is recommended to optimize treatment outcomes . Treatment recommendations are always determined after your initial assessment with a BCBA . During this assessment , the BCBA uses a series of tools such as the VB-MAPP ( Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program ) and ABLLS ( Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills ) to determine the goals of therapy .
There is no timeline or set end date for ABA therapy . The goal is for your child to meet the developmental milestones of typical peers without exhibiting maladaptive behaviors . Each child is different , each family is different , and each environment is different .
No plan works for every child , and there is no set end date for therapy because the environment changes just as people change . Some children receive ABA therapy at an intensive level for several years and lessen hours to maintain functioning levels . Others may be in therapy throughout their life .
The length of therapy is determined by insurance regulations , successful treatment outcomes , early versus late intervention , the severity of developmental deficits , and the severity of maladaptive behaviors .