Applied Behavior Analysis ( ABA )
ABA therapy can also be used to increase social , communication , and life skills . ABA principles and strategies target negative behaviors , and the goal is to modify such behaviors to be more functional and appropriate , which can result in improved daily living .
The principles behind ABA target four different functions of behavior , which include : escape or avoidance , attention seeking , access to tangibles or reinforcements , and instant gratification ( or “ because it feels good ”). These principles include :
ABA principles and strategies target negative behaviors , and the goal is to modify such behaviors to be more functional and appropriate , which can result in improved daily living .
1 . Behaviors are affected by the environment wherein they occur
2 . A behavior can be strengthened or weakened by its relevant consequences
3 . Behavioral modifications are achieved more effectively with positive instead of negative consequences
4 . Behaviors need to be reinforced for socially significant changes
The functions that underlie specific behaviors can help an ABA therapist and behavior analyst create an effective intervention plan for children with autism . To better understand principles of applied behavior analysis , the following situations could be used as a learning tool for families , to help them understand how a BCBA ( Board-Certified Behavior Analyst ) uses behavioral science to create interventions that promote positive behavior :
1 . Behaviors are affected by their environment . An example of this would be if a child is being bullied at school . He / she may engage in negative behaviors to escape or avoid going to school
2 . Behaviors are strengthened or weakened by their consequences . An example of this would be a child having a temper tantrum at a grocery store because he / she wants a candy bar . The child has learned from past experiences that screaming and making a scene will most likely cause parents to give in and buy the candy bar . The behavior thus serves the function of access to tangibles or reinforcements
3 . Behavior changes are more effective with positive instead of negative consequences . Positive consequences are also known as reinforcements . Reinforcements can be used to help achieve the target ( desired ) behavior . Negative consequences are an effective treatment method to decrease undesirable behaviors . An example of this ABA principle would be a child misbehaving at school and the teacher using recess as a reinforcement for good behavior . If the child follows the terms of the teacher , he / she will get to enjoy recess with classmates . If the child continues to have undesirable behavior , the consequence is missing recess .
The function of misbehaving could fall under two different areas : escape or avoidance ( not wanting to sit and do work at school ) or attention seeking ( acting out to get the attention of a teacher ). In this example , the child would most likely respond to the positive reinforcement better because he / she would not want to lose recess and playtime with classmates and friends .
4 . Behaviors need to be reinforced ( or discipline has to be applied ) for socially significant changes . Learning new behaviors or changing behaviors and habits can often be a slow process . Using reinforcement for positive behaviors increases the chance of permanently achieving new desirable behaviors . Discipline or negative reinforcement decreases the occurrence of negative behaviors .