{"id":157041,"date":"2021-06-29T12:57:07","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T07:27:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.developmentlogics.org\/article\/have-you-heard-applied-behavior-analysis-aba"},"modified":"2025-05-21T17:29:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T11:59:43","slug":"have-you-heard-applied-behavior-analysis-aba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nayi-disha.org\/article\/therapies-adls\/have-you-heard-applied-behavior-analysis-aba\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach to understanding and improving human behavior. It focuses on how behaviors work, how they are influenced by the environment, and how learning takes place.<\/span><\/p>\n For children and individuals with developmental or behavioral differences, especially those with <\/span>\u0906\u0924\u094d\u092e\u0915\u0947\u0902\u0926\u094d\u0930\u093f\u0924<\/span><\/a>, ABA can offer a structured, individualized way to build communication, social, learning, and daily living skills while reducing behaviors that may interfere with growth or participation.<\/span><\/p>\n ABA is not a \u201cone-size-fits-all\u201d approach. It is tailored to the unique needs, preferences, and contexts of each individual. It is based on positive reinforcement and seeks to understand the reasons behind behaviors, not just manage them on the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n Applied Behavior Analysis uses the ABC approach:<\/span><\/p>\n Therapists observe and analyze patterns using these components. Over time, they help a child learn more helpful or desired behaviors by changing the environment, adjusting responses, and reinforcing small steps toward the goal.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s say a child throws a toy when asked to clean up. A therapist using ABA would explore:<\/span><\/p>\n By understanding this pattern, strategies can be introduced such as giving simpler instructions, offering choices, or reinforcing clean-up behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n Applied Behavior Analysis should always be designed and supervised by qualified professionals. Look for:<\/span><\/p>\n Only certified therapists should be involved in assessment and intervention planning. They often work with a team, including therapy assistants, caregivers, and educators.<\/span><\/p>\n Each goal is broken down into achievable steps and taught through repetition, positive feedback, and practice in different settings\u2014home, school, or therapy centers.<\/span><\/p>\n ABA has evolved over the years. While many families and professionals report positive outcomes, it\u2019s important to acknowledge the critiques and concerns raised by members of the neurodivergent community – this is<\/span> largely because, in some cases, it can involve pressuring a child to behave in a certain way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Earlier versions of ABA focused heavily on compliance and \u201cnormalization\u201d of behaviors. Today, more ethical and compassionate versions of ABA prioritize:<\/span><\/p>\n Therapy should never aim to \u201cfix\u201d a child. Instead, it should support them in expressing their needs, feeling safe, and thriving in their own way.<\/span><\/p>\n As a caregiver, feel empowered to ask your therapist:<\/span><\/p>\n Applied Behavior Analysis is one of many tools. Some children benefit from a combination of therapies, including:<\/span><\/p>\n At home, you can support your child by:<\/span><\/p>\n It’s powerful to hear from others walking a similar path. We encourage families to:<\/span><\/p>\n If you have questions about <\/span>Autism<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Down syndrome<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a>, or other <\/span>intellectual disabilities<\/span><\/a> and developmental disabilities\u2014or if you’re simply unsure about your child\u2019s development\u2014reach out to us.<\/span><\/p>\nHow ABA works<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Who delivers ABA therapy?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What are some common goals of ABA?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Important: Understanding the criticisms and evolution of Applied Behavior Analysis<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Questions to ask when choosing an ABA provider<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Supporting your child beyond ABA<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Listen to voices and stories<\/b><\/h2>\n
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We\u2019re here to help<\/b><\/h2>\n