Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a large umbrella term for a systematic process of assessment, goal creation, instructional planning, implementation, data collection, and measurement with data-based decision making that teaches specific skills over time.  Studies have shown the effectiveness of ABA therapy in increasing cognitive skills and shaping behavior. There are many different strategies involved in ABA.  Positive reinforcement, precision teaching, incidental teaching, and natural consequences are all ABA strategies.

One strategy we utilize at Lakeside Center for Autism is Discrete Trial Training (DTT).  DTT is often referred to as “table time,” which is a drill method to learning discrete skills such as learning expressive and receptive identification of objects.   This is what most people think about when they hear the term ABA.  It is important to note that this method is just one piece of the puzzle when providing intervention for your child.  In our experience, exposing your child to just ABA strategies still does not address the core deficit of autism which is lack of “theory of mind” or thinking about what others are thinking.  Some side effects of intensive ABA based strategies are scripted speech and route responses within social interactions versus spontaneous back and forth interactions with others.  This also affects generalization, as some children have difficulty taking what was learned in ABA therapy and applying it to various settings.  At Lakeside Center for Autism, we find a combination of ABA with other more naturalistic strategies like DIR®/Floortime™ create better social interaction outcomes for children with autism.