Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a cornerstone in the realm of special education, particularly in addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders. Forbes notes that ABA “focuses on behavior and consequence, with ASD treatment goals usually centered around improving social and communication skills and sharpening other abilities.”
It is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior that involves systematically applying interventions based on the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors. ABA is grounded in the belief that behavior is learned and can therefore be modified through systematic intervention.
For children with disabilities, it can be a groundbreaking therapeutic tool to prepare them for the “real world.” This is why graduates from the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) – Teacher as Leader in Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis program must study this technique. Below, the article delves deeper into what ABA entails, its importance in education and some common ABA practices.
What Are the Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis?
According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, ABA “is largely based on behavior and its consequences, techniques generally involve teaching individuals more effective ways of behaving through positive reinforcement and working to change the social consequences of existing behavior.”
ABA operates on several core principles:
- Reinforcement: providing consequences that increase the likelihood of desired behaviors occurring again in the future
- Prompting: providing cues or assistance to help individuals engage in target behaviors
- Shaping: gradually modifying behavior by reinforcing successive approximations towards a desired goal
- Chaining: breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, manageable steps and teaching them sequentially
- Generalization: transferring learned behaviors from one setting or situation to another
- Maintenance: ensuring that behaviors continue over time
In simpler terms, ABA helps children with autism and other special needs learn and manage behaviors in order to support their success in the classroom. This includes identifying target behaviors, using tools such as functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) to determine the causes and functions of behaviors, and selecting appropriate behaviors for intervention based on assessment data.
In schools, it’s all about ensuring students do well academically, get along with others, communicate effectively and handle daily life hurdles appropriately so they can be active members of their communities.
Common ABA Practices in Education
Common ABA practices include discrete trial training (DTT), naturalistic teaching strategies, functional communication training (FCT) and behavior management techniques such as reinforcement schedules and antecedent interventions. These practices are tailored to each individual’s unique needs and strengths and implemented systematically to promote skill acquisition and behavior change.
Although it is so specific for each individual, some treatment goals remain consistent across the board. By focusing on areas such as communication and language, social and academic skills, educators can see the specific improvement when applying ABA practices.
The team at Care Patron explains the core of the process, “The treatment plan usually includes a variety of interventions, such as behavioral therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, and medication management. These interventions are chosen based on the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs.” These plans intend to reduce the impact of autism to enhance life for the client. Professionals, including the caregivers, educators and behavior analysts develop the plans and adjust them based on regular communication and review.
The Role of NKU’s M.A.Ed. Program in Teacher Leadership in Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis
Northern Kentucky University’s online M.A.Ed. – Teacher as Leader in Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares educators to work effectively with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. Courses such as Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis and Implementing ABA Procedures in Applied Settings provide students with a comprehensive understanding of ABA principles and practices.
Graduates of NKU’s program possess the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, design and implement individualized intervention plans using evidence-based ABA techniques. They learn to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with families and advocate for the needs of students with autism and other developmental disorders in educational settings.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis program.
