Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy

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The most common early intervention program for autism today is applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is an evidence-based practice (EBP) meaning the practices of this intervention are based on documented, scientific evidence. The acronym ABA can be broken down into each letter to define this practice: applied refers to targeting behavior changes for real-life application, behavior is targeting real, observable, and measurable actions, and analysis is the collection of objective data to understand the effect of intervention. Together, ABA forms three basic ABCs that encompass the goals of this intervention: antecedents is the events that happen immediately before the behavior, the behavior itself, and the consequences referring to events …show more content…

These intense programs and components within ABA have received tremendous praise with considerably significant outcomes. ABA proves itself in the support it provides including acceptance that there is more than one effective procedure for individuals, instructional arrangements vary between one-on-one support and group instruction, reinforcement is key for behavior development, knowledge of behavior function, and overall data collection to allow for accurate assessment of outcome benefits. In addition to this knowledge, ABA also incorporates a curriculum that is comprehensive and addresses all possible deficits and excesses, applied significance, and continued staff training on this continually growing field (Leaf et al., 2016). Despite the recommendations for this therapy, it is under constant scrutiny and growth as new knowledge is founded. Limitations that have been noted on this intervention include the reality that methodical approach must be adjusted on a case by case basis, the impact of methods are based on previous successes and failures rather than a solid theory that can be true for all cases, and the deficiency that exists in relation to pharmacology. In conclusion, ABA is the most effective method available to treat autism and will continue to be valid as predicted by the need for early intervention (Matson et al., 2012). ABA therapy is highly recognized as a key to early autism intervention, but therapy sessions are held in confinement of a residential facility; recent studies have attempted to examine the effects of ABA therapy in a center versus the impact it could have in a

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