ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy
Applied behavior analysis (ABA), previously known as behavior modifications, is defined as the process of systematically applying interventions (based upon the principles of learning theory) to improve social significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement of behaviors.
By functionally assessing the relationships between a targeted behavior and the environment, the methods of ABA can be used to change that behavior.
The treatment process begins with an assessment by a specialist.
The purpose of the assessment is to determine which skills the child already possesses and where the child has deficits. Specialists, along with our consultants, next develop an individualized ABA program aimed at increasing the child's skills in different areas.
The program will likely include goals related to the child's:
Academic development
Decreasing of disruptive behaviors
Self-help skills
Communication skills (verbal and language skills)
Social skills and overall interaction with the environment
Every child is unique and has different ways of learning; therefore every child has a tailored program that will address his or her personal skills and deficits.
At Swedish Specialized Center for Special Needs, your child will have an individualized therapy program which includes lots of learning through play and fun.
ABA focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle when a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated.
ABA training is usually conducted by a trained therapist.
In traditional ABA, the therapist spends 20 to 40 hours per week working one on one with a child.
ABA methods include a minimum of six ways to support children with autism:
Methods of ABA
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Functional skills
2. Communication skills
4. Generalize Job related social skills
5. Reducing interfering
behaviors (e.g. self-Injury or stereotypical behaviors)
3. Fine motor skills
6. Increasing behaviors (e.g. Reinforcement procedure Increase on task behavior, or social interactions)