What the heck is ABA anyway?

When you’re the parent of a child with complex challenges, you get pretty used to acronyms. IEP … ASD … ADHD … the letter lists are endless – and can quickly get overwhelming. 

So today, let’s add some meaning behind three letters that are becoming increasingly common and important in schools for children with complex learning differences, such as The Quaker School at Horsham – ABA. What is it, really?  

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, and it’s a scientific approach to therapy based on the principles of behavior. 

ABA therapy aims to understand and treat socially significant behaviors by increasing helpful behaviors (such as attention, focus, academics, and communication) and decreasing problematic behaviors (such as hurting oneself or demonstrating inappropriate responses to situations). 

One of the main strategies used in ABA therapy is positive reinforcement. ABA therapists collect and analyze data to ensure progress is being made – and if there is no progress, they develop new interventions. It’s a highly individualized therapy, and it’s an evidence-based practice (which means research shows ABA works and is effective), yet there are still many myths and misconceptions about the practice. 

Here are some things all families of children with complex challenges should know about ABA therapy: 

#1: ABA therapy does not “cure” Autism. 

This therapy is used to teach individuals the skills that will help them to live a more meaningful and happy life. It does not treat a diagnosis. 

#2: ABA is not only used in the field of Autism. 

The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) identified ABA as an appropriate therapy in fields such as Organizational Behavior Management (OBM); brain injury rehabilitation; gerontology; education; sport psychology; substance use disorders; environmental sustainability; health and fitness; pediatrics; and public health.

#3: ABA can be used in both 1:1 and group settings. 

While one-on-one therapy is effective, many ABA procedures – such as classroom management techniques and group contingencies – can be used with groups. 

#4: ABA supports positive reinforcement over punishment. 

Public education has typically relied on punishment (i.e., detention, suspension, etc.) when dealing with problem behaviors. However, research shows that punishment doesn’t have lasting effects on changing those behaviors. Positive reinforcement for displays of appropriate behavior, on the other hand, increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring more in the future. In ABA therapy, punishment is only used as a last resort after all other behavior procedures have been unsuccessfully tried.

Here at The Quaker School (TQS), ABA practices have proven effective both in the classroom and in helping individual students overcome specific challenges. 

TQS classrooms use the ABA approach in very versatile situations: 

• Classroom schedules: Positive reinforcement helps keeps our classrooms in order. We list our schedule for all students to see, and review it often by instructing students, “First you do X, then you get Y.” 

• Behavior momentum: We help accelerate positive behaviors by providing students with two easy or mastered tasks to complete before presenting a harder or new task. 

• Pairing: The faculty and staff does fun things and gives “free” positive reinforcement to help build rapport with our students. 

• Token economies: Students earn “money” (tokens) for engaging in specific positive behaviors. When they earn a certain amount, they can “purchase” a preferred item or activity. 

• Positive praise: We give students positive feedback for completing tasks, following directions, being nice to others, making appropriate choices … basically ALL good behavior!

Every child is different – in their skills, learning style, and social development. ABA therapy is just one of the many clinical and support services integrated in the TQS curriculum to help ensure each student has a positive school experience. 

Do you have questions about ABA therapy at TQS? Contact us to learn more about our clinical services and expert team of specialists.