Use of Applied Behavior Analysis to Support Language Development in Children with Autism

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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for behavior change. The definition of ABA includes six key components. The first component is the practice of applied behavior analysis is guided by the attitudes and methods of science inquiry. Second, all behavior change procedures are described and implemented in a systematic, technological manner. Third, not any means of changing behavior qualifies as applied behavior analysis: Only those procedures conceptually derived from the basic principles of behavior are circumscribed by the field. Fourth, the focus of applied behavior analysis is socially significant behavior. The fifth and sixth parts of the definition specify the twin goals of applied behavior analysis: improvement and understanding. Applied behavior analysis seeks to make meaningful improvement in important behavior and to produce an analysis of the factors responsible for that improvement. (Cooper, 1987) In short, ABA is the use of techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior. ("Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)")

People who can benefit from applied behavior analysis include students with learning disabilities and behavior problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, or behavior problems that are not disabled can benefit from applied behavior analysis. Also, ABA is well noted among researchers of autism as a method that can be effective for autistic children. (About.com)

Autism is known as a complex developmental disability. Experts believe that Autism presents itself dur...

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.... Acquisition of intraverbal behavior: teaching children with autism to mand for answers to questions . Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis, 43, 1-17.

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Scott, J., Clark, C., & Brady, M. P. (2000). Students with autism: characteristics and instructional programming for special educators. San Diego: Singular Pub. Group.

Sundberg, M. L., Michael, J., Partington, J. W., & Sundberg, C. A. (1996). The Role of Automatic Reinforcement in Early Language Acquisition. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 13, 21-37.

"What is Autism? What Causes Autism?." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d . Web. 14 Feb. 2014.

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