What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
ABA is the science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for the improvement in behavior (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 2020). ABA is considered an evidence-based best practice treatment by the American Psychological Association and is often described as the “gold standard” for autism treatment. Behavior analysis helps us understand how behavior works, how behavior is affected by the environment and how learning takes place.
Our mission at Little Bedaya is to provide evidence-based behavior analytic services to learners with autism and other developmental disabilities through direct services in a one-on-one teaching environment.
The goal of any ABA program is to help each individual develop skills that will help them become more independent and successful. Each program is written to meet the specific needs of the individual learner. ABA can be used to teach and reinforce new behavioral repertoires such as increasing language and communication skills, attention, focus, social skills, memory and academics.
Our services include an initial comprehensive assessment using the Verbal Behavior Milestone and Placement Program (VB-MAPP, Sundberg, 2008) in order to identify strengths and weaknesses across different developmental areas. Assessments are conducted by the BCBA and BCaBA, focusing on various skill domains:
– Communication (manding)
– Receptive and expressive language (listener responding and tacting)
– Visual skills
– Play
– Imitation
– Group skills
– Academic skills (reading and math)
– Social skills
– Echoic skills (EESA – Early Echoic Skills Assessment)
Based on the assessment and family consultation, the BCBA designs the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Progress is re-assessed approximately every 6 months to adjust the IEP accordingly. Behavior technicians implement the IEP under close supervision of the BCBA case manager. Data is collected regularly to monitor progress in order to adjust and expand targets accordingly.
