What is ABA?
ABA is the
application of the principles of behaviour analysis to human
problems and challenges and is a scientific method of understanding,
analysing and changing behaviour. ABA has been subject to
rigorous research and evaluation in a variety of different fields and
there is strong evidence supporting its efficacy as a basis for
teaching children with autism.ABA provides an intense, highly structured education based initially on a one-to-one tutor/pupil ratio. The method is based on interactive, individualised programmes whose effectiveness is continually monitored in order
to maximise the child’s progress. The teaching breaks down tasks, even simple ones, into a series of steps, each step preparing the way for the next. Success is reinforced with consistent praise and rewards that motivate each particular child, so that the small segments of learning gradually build up into an understood and meaningful “whole”.
The principles of ABA as applied to a teaching model are:
Individualised learning which addresses deficits and builds on skills
Breaking down goals into achievable elements
A structured and consistent learning environment
A high level of 1:1 teaching
Positive reinforcement of correct responses
Data driven teaching
ABA is the only scientifically documented method of teaching that has shown successful results. The Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Association for Behaviour Analysis asserts that all children and adults with autism and related disorders have the right to effective education and treatment based on the best available scientific evidence. Research has clearly documented the effectiveness of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) methods in the education and treatment of people with autism (e.g. Matson et al, Smith, 1996: New York Department of Health, 1999: U.S. Surgeon General 1999). This is further evidenced in that many governing bodies such that in California are stating that “ABA is the intervention of choice” for that state.
ABA , as applied to the
challenges of autism has provided the context
for the development of specific procedures and practices that
have been
very successful in teaching autistic children and adults. ABA is a
systematic approach to the assessment, evaluation and alteration of
behaviour. Autism can be viewed as a set of behaviours that
are in excess and/or deficit. The principles of ABA can
help reduce those behaviours that are in excess and to increase those
behaviours that are in deficit.Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the systematic implementation of scientifically proven behavioural principles. It is aimed at enhancing people’s lives in ways that they or their carers feel are important; it includes a variety of methods and techniques which can be used to promote, decrease or maintain skills for daily living. ABA has been used to help children with autism for many years in many countries. No other educational or therapeutic method has such authoritative research to demonstrate its effectiveness.
