Applied Behaviour Analysis – what does the applied bit mean?
The use (or application) of scientifically derived behavioural principles in everyday situations.
What does BCBA stand for?
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. This is a graduate level certification in Behaviour Analysis.
Can ABA be used with teenagers and adults as well as young children?
Yes!
ABA principles are not restricted to any one age group (or any one clinical area); programmes are individualised and flexible.
More and more ABA schools now have a sixth-form with facilities that enable the pupils to develop essential living skills, and some provide work-experience opportunities.
As with any programme, the aim is for the individual to be as independent as possible, be it in their ability to read and write; communicate; socialise; dress themselves; make calculations; access sports facilities or do household chores - ABA techniques can be used to break down such tasks into achievable steps which are taught using methods such as forward and backward chaining and in the most appropriate, naturalistic setting.
Is ABA effective?
Applied behaviour analysis has its roots in the experimental analysis of behaviour; the ABA principles that are the basis of any ABA programme derive from scientific research that demonstrates that these principles have been found to be effective over time and across subjects.
How many hours are required?
There is no set requirement and although it is likely that increased hours will provide more learning opportunities, there are multiple factors that can affect whether these opportunities occur and whether they equate to greater progress. Progress at the expected rate is more likely if the programme is made up of the following:
Run by an experienced and qualified BCBA
Regularly supervised and monitored by the BCBA to ensure treatment fidelity
Tutors who are experienced, qualified or keen to learn!
Tutors who are enthusiastic, positive and optimistic
Ongoing training and development provided by the BCBA in response to the demands of the programme
Well-developed data collection procedures (planned in such a way that accurate data is available where necessary without becoming too intrusive)
Consistency across all professionals involved in the delivery of the programme
Regular communication between the tutors, parents and supervisors/consultant
Do you provide tutors?
I can help with the recruitment process and will be on hand to help with any part of the programme set up.
How do I get started?
There is no set route to follow; as a starting point it is probably a good idea to first employ an ABA consultant (BCBA) who can talk through your requirements and make suggestions as to the type of programme that could suit your family. Programmes can run in school and/or at home though this can depend on the local authority and the individual school. Once you have an idea of how the programme will be structured, you may need to employ a tutor who will implement the programme; some parents opt to do this themselves or in combination with tutor(s). The consultant will carry out any assessments that you need and will then put a programme together.
A programme will typically include a period of time at the beginning in which the tutor will get to know your child through play based activities. This is aimed at building up a positive, trusting relationship from which the tutor will then gradually begin to implement parts of the programme. This is also an opportunity to identify preferred toys, games or activities that can then be included in the sessions. The consultant will typically provide any training that the tutor or parents decide that they need and will oversee the programme via meetings and workshops and through monitoring data that the tutors take in their sessions.
How can I get funding?
Funding may be obtained through some charities, and also via your local education authority which will form part of an EHC Plan – more information on this can be found on the department of education website.
What resources are required?
The resources required vary from programme to programme and your BCBA (ABA consultant) will be able to inform you about what will be required for your particular programme.
The type of resources that are typically required are communication aids like PECs books and associated pictures; makaton booklets; vocabulary cards and 3D items. You may also need some visual discrimination stimuli e.g. puzzles and matching exercises, as well as the toys and household items that will already be present in your home. Many of these resources are available on the internet.
