Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
What is ABA?
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is based on the science of learning and behaviour. ABA is evidence-based and helps professionals and families understand how behaviour works and how it is affected by the environment around us. The general goal of ABA is to increase behaviours that are pro-social and beneficial and decrease behaviours that are inappropriate or harmful. The basic principles of ABA consist of positive reinforcement. When an individual engages in pro-social and beneficial behaviours, they are positively reinforced or rewarded, which in turn increases their behaviour. Through systematic use of the principles of ABA, the target behaviour for an individual can be increased or decreased.
How is ABA used to support my child’s goals?
In ABA therapy, when a goal is identified it is broken down into smaller parts. For example, if an individual is learning how to wash their hands the goal could be broken down into the following steps:
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- Turning on the tap
- Wetting hands
- Pumping soap on hands
- Rubbing hands together
- Wetting hands
- Turning off the tap
- Drying hands with a towel
- Disposing the towel
By breaking down a goal into smaller parts, professionals can gradually teach and shape the individual to complete each step. The individual will be rewarded after completing each step until they are able to complete the whole task, washing their hands.
When addressing challenging behaviours such as physical aggression or self-injurious behaviour, ABA uses a functional behaviour assessment process to help determine the reasons why the behaviour is occurring. This involves objective assessment of the behaviours, development of a treatment plan and continuous monitoring of the plan to ensure progress is being made. The ABA plan would also include teaching the individual an alternative behaviour that helps them functionally communicate their needs and wants.
Who provides ABA services?
All services are supervised by a Registered Behaviour Analyst (ONT.) and services may be delivered by either or a combination of our Clinical Therapists or Instructor Therapists.