More Information About ABA
ABA is very notable in its use with helping to diminish inappropriate or problem behaviors. These behaviors may include tantrums, aggression, trouble following directions or other undesirable behavior issues. ABA training often uses a process called extinction to help curb these behaviors, and always teaches an alternative, or replacement, behavior. ABA is centered around the idea that the least-restrictive and most-effective model is used for your individual situation. Every program created is tailored to the needs of the individual being serviced. There is no ‘cookbook' for what an ABA program will look like for your situation, but some common elements often occur.
ABA is the ONLY scientifically validated treatment for developmental disabilities. Hundreds of articles are published concerning the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis, and these ongoing studies guide the ethical and appropriate treatment decisions that will be made for your situation. Behavior Analysts have an obligation to consult the appropriate literature and use the most current, validated treatment components available.
People who provide ABA therapy, or treatment, should be Board Certified. They will have letters after their names like BCBA or BCABA. Many college students or interns may be uncertified, but should receive supervision through a professional in the field. Unfortunately, supervision is not always available in all states, at which time many people consider hiring a consultant to check in periodically to make sure their programs are being implemented properly.
ABA is often used with children and adults who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability or some other type of disorder, however, BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS WORKS FOR EVERYONE. Everyone is operating under the laws of behavior analysis all the time, but often times we do not realize it. Consider the fact that adults go to work each day. People often argue that they engage in this behavior ‘because they are supposed to' or ‘so that I have money.' A behavior analyst would ask, ‘What if your work stopped paying you?' Typical responses are that they would stop going or find a new job. Well, that's ABA in a nutshell. Living things do things that pay off. When they stop paying off, we stop doing those things. ABA simply tries to change what ‘pays off' for children by changing their environment. We provide clear, simple answers to challenging behaviors whenever possible.
In addition to being the staple of treatments for developmental disabilities, ABA has practical applications in any family. Behavior analysts are often found offering parenting seminars or helping parents establish rules, boundaries, and structure with their children. Consider the television show ‘Super Nanny.' Although not a behavior analyst, the show uses some of the basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. The effects seen on the show are incredible, now imagine how those effects would multiply with more than half a century of research and proven scientific techniques and data present as well.
If you still aren't quite sure what ABA is all about, call us. We love talking about our field and educating consumers as to what its all about. We are available as a resource to you and are only a phone call or e-mail away. Please enjoy the rest of the site and good luck with your search for a quality provider. Let us know if we can help.
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