Not being able to speak... is not the same as not having anything to say.
	Commonly Asked Questions 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.