Can Applied Behavior Analysis Be Used With Children Without Autism?

Purpose

• No matter what type of disorder a therapist is treating, the purpose of an ABA program is to modify behavior. The goals of using behavior modification are to decrease unwanted behaviors and increase positive behaviors. Generally, therapy occurs one-on-one and takes place in an environment with fewer distractions so that a child is able to focus. A behavior therapist also tries to discover what triggers problem behaviors so that the family can learn how to avoid or manage situations the child finds distressing or overwhelming.

Therapy Techniques

• ABA therapy techniques are used to teach children with ASD practical skills. Programs encourage learning and focus on improving a child̵7;s language and socialization skills. Techniques such as pivotal response treatment (PRT) target decreasing behaviors like stimming that can interfere with learning. ABA programs that are structured to support learning and develop social and academic skills can also benefit kids with ADHD, learning disabilities and disruptive behavior disorders. The goals of some ABA approaches are to identify triggers that bring on problem behaviors and teach coping strategies and socially appropriate behaviors.

How It Works

• When treating a child with ASD or ADHD in particular, discrete trial teaching (DTT) -- a method of ABA -- divides a single, larger task into smaller, manageable steps. The goal is to teach each step separately, making it easier for a child to learn by using physical or verbal prompts and cues. ABA also uses reinforcers such as verbal praise or physical rewards to increase the frequency of a child repeating a positive behavior. But for reinforcement to work, you must first determine what types of rewards will motivate a child to demonstrate appropriate behavior.

Providers

• Regardless of your child̵7;s diagnosis, only trained and experienced professionals such as licensed clinical psychologists with extensive training in applied behavior analysis are qualified to develop and implement ABA intervention programs that reinforce skills and behaviors. Board-certified behavior analysts must be trained and have documented supervised experience in providing behavioral interventions, including ABA. Generally, behavioral analysts must be certified by the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, Behavior Analyst Certification Board or other state-approved certification body in order to supervise individuals who are providing ABA services to your child. Professionals who develop and oversee ABA interventions should have extensive training in the particular ABA approaches they practice or supervise.