APPLIED BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an application of behavioral science in real-world settings such as home, school and community with the aim of improving learning and reducing problem behaviour.

At Sparsh Special School, Hyderabad, Comprehensive ABA interventions are aimed at producing changes in specific skills that impact in IQ, adaptive skills, and social functioning in children with autism. Typically, ABA is provided for an extended period and is often a home or center based program. Skills frequently targeted include attention, discrimination, language and communication, socialization, as well as educational skills (e.g., reading, writing and math). These programs rely on the use of clear instructions, reinforcement, teaching small units of behavior, and repeated trials to maximize learning opportunities. When utilized with younger children, these interventions are often referred to as “Early Intensive Behavioral Interventions” (EIBI). At Sparsh Special School, Hyderabad, ABA is delivered 25 hours per week.

Focused ABA interventions are generally more time-limited in nature because they are designed to address specific behavior deceleration concerns including aggression, self-injury, disruptive behavior, and other challenging behaviors. ABA-based treatment of these problems involves first conducting a functional behavioral assessment to identify the variables controlling problem behavior (i.e., the cause of the behavior). Then, this assessment information is used to guide the development of individualized treatments. Typically, function-based treatments involve altering the environment to minimize problem behavior, establishing and reinforcing adaptive behaviors, and withholding reinforcement for problem behavior. ABA can also address other concerns such as anxiety and skills deficits (i.e., social skills and self-care deficits).

ABA-based approaches are:
1) the objective measurement of behavior,
2) use of procedures based on scientifically established principles of behavior,
3) precise control of the environment to allow for the objective evaluation of outcomes. This includes "functional behavioral assessment," approaches such as "Positive Behavioral Support," and forms of "Behavior Therapy" that rely on direct observation of behavior, procedures based on behavioral principles, and analysis of behavior-environment relations.