Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based therapy for children with autism to learn social/emotional skills. It applies principles of learning theory — cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences on the acquisition/retention of knowledge and skills — to modify behavior. The autism community has expressed ethical concerns about how ABA teaches autistic children to hide traits at the expense of promoting life skills and self-esteem. Studies show hiding autism has been linked to worse mental health outcomes and increased suicidality. In response, clinical researchers/therapists changed the model. In today’s version, therapists help prepare children for social situations at school, at events, and with family — and establish a treatment plan with benchmarks for behavior. As the child progresses/regresses, new goals are set. Adapted forms of ABA therapy are used for adults with autism and other behavioral disorders. It works for other conditions as well. Approaches:

• Positive reinforcement instills positive behaviors by rewarding a child after completing a task or reaching a goal behavior. Rewards with personal value encourage repeat behavior.
• Behavior and consequence means good behaviors are rewarded, negative ones discouraged, teaching child to connect what happens before/after so positive behaviors follow the child into the real world.