Frequently Asked Questions about the Practice of Behavior Analysis
What is ABA?
Behavior Analysis is the scientific discipline concerned with studying behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral science in real-world settings such as clinics, schools, and industry with the aim of improving socially important issues such as behavior problems and learning (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). ABA is defined as the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of behavior theory to improve socially significant behaviors, including reading, academics, social skills, communication, and adaptive living skills, to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991).
ABA methods are used to support persons in at least six ways:
- to increase behaviors (e.g., reinforcement procedures increase on-task behavior, or social interactions);
- to teach new skills (e.g., systematic instruction and reinforcement procedures teach functional life skills, communication skills, or social skills);
- to maintain behaviors (e.g., teaching self-control and self-monitoring procedures to maintain and generalize job-related social skills);
- to generalize or to transfer behavior from one situation or response to another (e.g., from completing assignments in the resource room to performing as well in the mainstream classroom);
- to restrict or narrow conditions under which interfering behaviors occur (e.g., modifying the learning environment); and
- to reduce interfering behaviors (e.g., self-injury or stereotypy).
Who provides ABA?
Tiered service delivery models which rely upon the use of supervised Behavioral Technicians have been the primary mechanism for achieving many of the significant improvements in cognitive, language, social, behavioral, and adaptive domains that have been documented in the peer-reviewed literature. Training and supervised participation by caregivers and educational staff are also seen as an important component.
A service provider who has demonstrated advanced training and competence in ABA is responsible for all aspects of clinical direction, supervision, and case management, including activities of the support staff (e.g., a BCaBA) and Behavioral Technicians. Service providers may demonstrate advanced training and competence in ABA by holding current certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral® (BCBA-D®) by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) or current licensure as a psychologist, verified with the government agency that licenses psychologists (e.g., state or provincial psychology licensing board) and documentation that the psychologist’s scope of practice and scope of training and competence include ABA.
The advanced ABA provider’s clinical, supervisory, and case management activities are often supported by other staff such as BCaBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) working within the scope of their training, practice, and competence. The advanced ABA provider provides case supervision, which must include direct, face-to-face supervision on a consistent basis, regardless of whether or not there is clinical support provided by a BCaBA or Behavior Technician.
What does typical treatment look like?
Comprehensive ABA refers to treatment where there are multiple targets across all developmental domains that are affected by the individual’s ASD. Initially, this typically involves 1:1 staffing and may gradually include small group formats as is appropriate and may include many hours (26 to 40 hours) of direct treatment. Recommended hours and session lengths are based on the individual’s characteristics, goals and availability for therapy (e.g., endurance, attention span, need for naps). Treatment is intensive and initially provided in structured therapy sessions. Focused ABA interventions and more naturalistic treatment approaches are utilized as soon as the client demonstrates the ability to benefit from these treatments. As the client progresses and meets established criteria for participation in larger or different settings, treatment in those settings and in the larger community are provided. Training and participation by caregivers are also seen as an important component. Treatment hours are increased or decreased as a function of the individual client’s response to treatment as well as the intensity needed to reach treatment goals.
Treatment duration is effectively managed by evaluating the client’s response to treatment. Some individuals will continue to demonstrate medical necessity and require treatment for a substantial duration (e.g., over a period of years). For example, the benefits of Comprehensive ABA require treatment to be delivered over multiple years.
Interested in more information on what to expect?
ABA Practice Guidelines 3.0 from the Council of Autism Service Providers
New Parent Information from Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Intervention Brief at Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching
National Autism Center at the May Institute: Parent's Guide to Evidence-Based Practice and Autism
Consumer Resources from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board