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Q: What is Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA)?
A: ABA is a structured teaching program
which relies on behavioral methods. It is based on behavioral
research first published by B.F. Skinner in 1938 and later
expanded upon by many others. Simply stated, ABA relies on the
principle that correct responses and behaviors are rewarded with
positive reinforcement. When incorrect responses and undesirable
behaviors occur, they are ignored and appropriate responses are
prompted and rewarded.
ABA is known by many other names,
including "intensive behavioral intervention,"
"behavioral intervention," and "behavioral
treatment." ABA is also often referred to as "discrete
trial therapy," "discrete trial instruction," or
DTT, since discrete trial teaching is a large component of most
ABA programs. This is not completely accurate since ABA consists
of a larger body of behavioral science than just discrete trial
teaching.
Q: What is Applied Verbal Behavior
(AVB)?
A: In 1957 as applied behavior analysis
was emerging and research on ABA was being published, Skinner
published Verbal Behavior, which detailed a functional
analysis of verbal behavior. Skinner's text extended operant
conditioning to verbal behavior in order to fully account for the
range of human behavior. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior is
to be used as a guide for language assessment and
intervention.
Research has pointed to the AVB
techniques derived from Applied Behavior Analysis as the most
successful approach for working with children with developmental
disabilities such as autism (e.g. Lovaas, 1977; Maurice, Green,
& Luce, 1996).
Q: What is a "drill" like?
A: Early acquisition programs (sometimes
referred to as "Drills") might be matching exercises
(such as matching a picture of a cup to an actual cup), or
imitation of actions or sounds, or labeling or following simple
directions (such as "clap hands"), or learning play
skills. Later, programs could include such academic skills as
spelling, counting, and sequencing; language skills such as
correct use of verb tenses and pronouns; and social skills such as
spontaneous conversation and turn-taking.
Q: How are these skills taught in a
drill?
A: The teaching method is discrete trial
instruction. That means that in each trial, you have s stimulus
(for example, the teacher says, "Stand up"), a response
(the student stands up), and a reinforcer (the teacher says,
"That's right!"). In early stages, edible reinforcers
are used - so that when a child correctly labels an object, for
example, she might be given a Cheerio. Later on, edible
reinforcers might be replaced with social ones (such as praise) or
symbolic ones (such as stars on a chart or tokens that can be
saved up for a prize).
Q: Is this program just an academic
program, or does it address other areas, such as toileting and
maladaptive behaviors?
A: Discrete trial teaching is one
component of a system of thinking called applied behavioral
analysis: proponents of this thinking are said to take a
"behavioral" approach. The behavioral approach has long
been the standard used in addressing maladaptive behaviors:
even in cases where other approaches are used (such as a sensory
integrative one or one which relies on diet or medication), there
is generally a behavioral component.
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