Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): What is it?

An applied scientific approach used by observing behaviors and setting events to change (i.e., improve, diminish, or alter) specific behaviors.

I use ABA therapy to teach children with autism new skills including everyday life skills, academics, social, motor, and language skills. I also teach them to engage in self-help strategies or teach them replacement behaviors for less effective, less desirable behaviors.

All behaviors occur because of some function (cause or reason). There are four basic functions of behavior: access, attention, escape, and sensory. If we can see and determine the function, we can find a way to change a given behavior. This is what I do to help children learn new behaviors and change those behaviors that are less effective at resulting in the function they are being used for.

Replacement behaviors are taught when decreasing a given behavior. Reinforcement strategies are used to increase desired behaviors. By applying this scientific approach, your child has the potential to make great gains within their behavior repertoire.