Frequently Asked Questions about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Q. What is Positive Behavior Support?
"Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) is a general term that refers to the application of positive behavioral interventions and systems to achieve socially important behavior change. Positive behavioral support is not a new intervention package, nor a new theory of behavior, but an application of a behaviorally-based systems approach to enhancing the capacity of schools, families, and communities to design effective environments that improve the fit or link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs." (Sugai, et, all, 1999).
Q. What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis: The science in which tactics derived from principles of behavior are applied to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for the improvement in behavior (Cooper, Heron, & Howard, 2007).
Key points: Socially significant behaviors are treated. Socially significant behaviors are those that improve daily life for the individual, their circles, and society. Socially significant behaviors are language, academic, daily living skills, leisure, self-care, vocational, etc.
Experimentation: We look to demonstrate/prove what works and what doesn’t and implement those techniques that are effective
Hallmarks of ABA:
Skills are broken down into small behavioral components using language that is observable, measurable, and objective.
Positive reinforcement is heavily used.
Prompts are used as needed and then faded.
All programs are data based and there must be empirical support for their use
Programs are individualized
Misconceptions about ABA
ABA is discrete trial training (DTT) only
ABA does not teach students to generalize
ABA requires 1:1 staffing at all times
ABA does not allow for unique interventions
ABA is harsh and rote
ABA is only for young children with autism
As with any other topic, the internet is not necessarily the best place for information
Q. Is Springbrook looking into developing an ABA Program?
ABA is currently the only treatment for autism that has empirical support. It has been endorsed as the treatment of choice by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the NYS DOH, the Federal Dept. of Defense, the U. S. Surgeon General, and the National Research Council. All references are available.
There are many families who want their children in ABA programs and as the rates of autism increase, demand will increase. There are no pure ABA programs in the Oneonta area and Springbrook is considering this for our future expansion.
Q. How is this different than what Springbrook is already doing?
What we are currently doing is taking some behavioral principles and applying them to our students. We are not currently using ABA curriculum, schedules, or data monitoring procedures.
Q. What credentials/training is required?
Any staff can receive training in behavioral theory/principle. Most staff can be taught to implement ABA. There are multiple levels of training/credentialing in ABA.
Q. Who would oversee programming?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst with experience in agency oversight should supervise programming.
Q. Does it have to be provided across all areas to be valid?
Yes. There is no such thing as “modified ABA” or “partial ABA”
Q. How can we ensure consistency between home/school?
The behavior specialists believe that ABA would actually increase our consistency because we would not be implementing programs according to the house manager, teacher, therapist, etc., it would be according to the ABA program for that student.
