APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Simple Ways to Use ABA
Intervention in Family Routines
By Meme HIENEMAN, PhD, BCBA
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions have been proven to be extremely
effective for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), increasing their skills and
reducing problem behavior (National Autism Center, 2015). There are a variety of
ways ABA can be provided, but the way it is often delivered, through intensive 1:1
therapy, has come to be viewed as the primary, if not only, option. This article will
describe how ABA can be used within typical family routines to improve quality of
life for children and families.
Issues with Delivering Intervention
I
ntensive 1:1 ABA therapy has the advantage of
changing behavior quickly under controlled situ-
ations. It can, however, have drawbacks for some
children and families. First, the skills developed
can sometimes seem rote or not fit the circum-
stances. For example, a child may learn specific
words or problem-solving strategies that other
22 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72
children do not typically use, setting him/her apart
from same-aged peers. Second, some children resist
participating in repeated learning trials, resulting in
an increase in their problem behaviors. Third, the im-
pact of 1:1 therapy may not “generalize” across time,
people, and/or circumstances. A child may perform
well for his/her therapist only. Finally, when poorly
planned, ABA therapy can interfere with valued fam-
ily routines. Parents may find themselves rearranging