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What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Everything we do, we do for a reason. A behavior is anything we say or do, and is influenced by the environment. If we're hungry, we'll eat something. If we're thirsty, we'll drink something. Anything we can observe someone doing is a behavior. Not all behavior is appropriate however. Some behaviors can be problematic and possibly dangerous to a person or others around them. Situations like this are where Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, can be useful.
ABA allows us to get a better understanding of WHY a problem behavior is occurring. In doing so, we can create a program which allows us to replace that problem behavior with a functionally equivalent skills. For example, we may see that a child is screaming because a parent usually asks them what they want. We would then develop a program which would help the child with communicating his needs verbally.
Because of the nature of this therapy, there are many potential programs which can be tailored to your child. In addition of language and communication skills, ABA can be used to assist clients with social skills, focusing on academics, tolerating unpreferred foods or activities, etc. The most important factor is the client, and each plan will be developed individually with them in mind by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
