If you have a child or family member diagnosed with a spectrum disorder, you most likely have heard of Applied Behavioral Analysis or ABA therapy. Applied Behavioral Analysis is a type of therapy with a scientific approach to understanding and improving behavior. ABA therapy is not only for those diagnosed with a spectrum disorder. It is also beneficial for a wide range of conditions such as for adults who struggle with substance abuse, dementia, TBI, and more. If you aren’t familiar with this type of therapy, you may be asking “what is applied behavior analysis?”. In this blog we are going to go everything you need to know about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
As I mentioned earlier, Applied Behavioral Analysis is a scientific based therapy approach that helps individuals with a wide range of conditions. While ABA therapy can be a great benefit for many, in most cases ABA therapy is used for children with autism. This is a behavioral type of therapy where therapists reinforce specific behaviors in order to get their client to repeat those behaviors. ABA therapy programs can help communication and language skills, decrease problem behaviors, and improve social skills, academics, memory, and focus.
Key Principles of ABA
Behavior and Consequence
ABA focuses on how behaviors are learned and how they change based on what happens afterwards. If a behavior leads to a positive outcome, like a reward, it’s more likely to happen again. On the other hand, if a behavior leads to a negative outcome, like a loss of privilege, it becomes less likely to be repeated. Applied behavior analysis helps develop a connection to what happens before and after a certain behavior. The goal of ABA therapy is to have a grasp on desired behaviors and better social skills.
ABC Model
The ABC Model is a crucial component for changing behavior in ABA. ABC stands for antecedent, behavior, and consequence. This model represents the sequence of events; what happens before, during, and after a certain behavior. This model is used in order to understand behavior:
- Antecedent: What happens right before an event, situation, or behavior occurs.
- Behavior: The behavior or response.
- Consequence: What happens immediately following the behavior.
Where ABA is Used
Helping individuals with Autism and other spectrum disorders
ABA is widely used to help individuals diagnosed with spectrum disorders to learn new skills and reduce behaviors that can be difficult. Each program is curated towards the individuals personal needs and focuses on numerous skills. Depending on where the individual needs progress, they may focus on skills such as social interaction, communication, and daily routines.
Improving Education
ABA is also used in school settings. Teachers may use ABA strategies in order to improve classroom behavior and create a better learning environment. By reinforcing positive behaviors and addressing negative behaviors, ABA creates more support within the classroom learning environment. Other ABA teaching strategies may include discrete trial teaching, naturalistic teaching, pivotal response treatment, token economy, and contingent observation.
Workplace and Organizations
ABA strategies aren’t only for individuals, they’re also used in workplaces to improve productivity and job satisfaction. Organizations can create better working environments by simply analyzing behaviors and implementing positive reinforcements. Some managers may implement a workplace behavioral assessment which is a behavioral analysis. This is meant to measure employee’s trends and developments.
Careers in Applied Behavior Analysis
Does this field interest you? If so, there is a wide range of rewarding careers within the applied behavior analysis field. Among the diverse career paths you’ll find opportunities within educational environments, residential treatment settings, hospitals, and private or non-profit organizations. Below is a list of opportunities for those interested in the applied behavior analysis field:
- ABA Therapist: ABA therapists work directly with the clients to implement behavior plans designed by behavior analysts. They provide one-to-one therapy sessions, collect data on progress, and adjust interventions as needed. This role is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work and building relationships with clients.
- ABA Paraprofessional: Many ABA professionals work in education settings. ABA Paraprofessionals typically work one-to-one with students on the spectrum and other related behavioral needs. They will generally collect data, provide one-to-one instruction, supervise students, and help with personal care needs.
- Behavior Analyst (BCBA or BCaBA): As a behavior analyst, you assess behaviors, develop treatment plans, and oversee their implementation to help clients achieve behavioral goals. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate with clients and caregivers.
- Social Worker: Social Workers are typically drawn towards ABA due to the evidence-based approach and the focus on outcomes. Social Workers that are trained to work in the ABA field are educated on working closely with families and other professionals. ABA social workers provide assist their clients with needs pertaining to everyday life problems including incidents of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT): RBT’s are responsible for providing one-to-one behavioral interventions to improve the quality of life for their clients. Registered Behavior Technicians work under Board Certified Behavior Analysts and use ABA therapy when working with clients. General responsibilities include recording data, providing direct care, and assisting behavior analysts with behavior reduction assessments and skills acquisition.
Conclusion
Applied Behavior Analysis is a valuable tool for understanding behavior and helping individuals achieve goals. It is used in a variety of settings and continues to evolve based on new research. By focusing on learning principles and individualized strategies, ABA promotes positive changes to improve clients quality of life. Whether you’re drawn to direct client care, education settings or research, ABA offers rewarding careers. Consider applying to an Applied Behavior Analysis program in New Jersey to get you started. If you have a passion for helping others, Horizon Staffing Resources can aide you in entering the ABA field. Regardless if you’re looking for an ABA Paraprofessional Job in New Jersey, a Behavior Analyst, Social Worker, or RBT, we can help! Apply online today and one of our dedicated recruiters will help get you started!