By:  Michael Toto, M.S. Ed., BCBA, LBA-CT

Some people think Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is just a bunch of behavioral voodoo filled with tricks to get people to do things they don’t want to do.  They may think this because they’ve seen behavior analysis presented and executed in all the wrong ways.  But, when behavior analysis is explained and demonstrated in all the correct ways, it can be a lifelong asset for yourself and the people you care about (Wolfe & Neisworth, 2005).  

For those that can’t stand long-winded definitions, behavior analysis is the science of human behavior.  Yes, believe it or not, there is actual science that explains human behavior.  Why do we do what we do?  How can we change how we act?  Behavior analysis seeks to answer those questions through scientific inquiry, research, and application (Steege et al., 2007).  As a result, behavior analysts utilize the science of behavior to create positive behavioral change.  Interested in teaching your eight-year-old proper dinnertime manners?  Consult a behavior analyst!  Curious about how to promote language development with your toddler?  Reach out to a behavior analyst!  Struggling to get your teenager to follow rules?   A behavior analyst can help!  A behavior analyst uses the science of human behavior to carefully craft effective interventions to improve the quality of people’s lives.  What’s more, behavior analysts collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists or speech and language pathologists, to enhance the treatment outcomes of those they’re helping (Steege et al., 2007).

Now, with so many therapy options out there, it is very easy to get quickly overwhelmed and discouraged.  You’re probably reading about therapies and thinking to yourself, “I have no idea what to even look for.”  What’s wonderful about behavior analysts is that they’re ethically obligated to point you in the right direction.  A behavior analyst can “analyze” your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your loved one.  If a behavior analyst determines that behavior analysis is the most appropriate solution, then they would take the next steps of conducting a comprehensive assessment.  Once the comprehensive assessment is complete, the behavior analyst starts developing a customized and individualized treatment plan, sometimes referred to as a Behavior Support Plan.  Typically, this plan largely focuses on adjusting the environment in which the individual spends the majority of their time.  “Adjusting the environment” could be minor adjustments such as placing toys just out of the reach of a small child or requiring someone to say “please” before granting them access to their favorite snack (Steege et al., 2007).  Other adjustments may be more complex, but an experienced behavior analyst will always ensure that any intervention is implemented with compassionate care.  

When it comes to helping children succeed no one is interested in inventions that yield mediocre results; we all want the absolute best for our children.  If you desire the most effective outcomes then consider using the science of behavior analysis.  Whether you’re interested in replacing challenging behavior with appropriate forms of communication or interested in parent training to build a stronger relationship with your child, the science of behavior analysis will help you get there. 

Sources:

Wolfe, P., & Neisworth, J. (2005). Autism and applied behavior analysis. Exceptionality, 13(1).

Steege, M., Mace, F., Perry, L., & Longenecker, H. (2007). Applied behavior analysis: Beyond discrete trial teaching. Psychology in the Schools, 44(1), 91-99. 

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