CABAT Center for Applied Behavior Analysis & Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior. ABA is the process of applying interventions based on the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors. Specifically, it is a systematic approach to the assessment and evaluation of behavior and the applications of interventions. ABA includes measurement, direct observation, and a functional analysis of the relations between the environment and behavior. The basic framework utilizes the manipulation of antecedents and consequences of behavior in order to teach new skills, replacement behaviors, and eliminate inappropriate behaviors. The manipulation of antecedents and consequences and their effects on behavior are known as the three-term contingency, which can be further explained as follows:
Our Methodology All children within the autism spectrum are unique and each child has their own particular learning style, which varies from child to child.Children within the spectrum require individualized instruction targeting his or her learning style. One program does not meet the needs for all children within the autism spectrum; rather each child has different skills, abilities, interests, and deficits. Research has proven that utilizing each child skills and adapting teaching methods and procedures we will be better able to meet their learning style and show improved outcomes. Our procedures and teaching methods are based on research and findings of B.F. Skinner, following the notion that "all language can be classified, and then taught, in a set of functional units" and that"language is behavior that is primarily caused by environmental variables such as reinforcement, motivation, and punishment." Following this belief our curriculum is based on Skinner's teachings and book Verbal Behavior and further teachings and manuals of Teaching Language to Children With Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities and The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (The ABLLS) by Mark Sundberg, PhD and James Partington, PhD. Our methods involve the applications of ABA, which is the design,implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior. ABA includes the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relations between the environment and behavior. Our curriculum incorporates these teaching procedures in all areas of instruction including, language training, skill acquisition, behavior programs, child engagement, and social interactions. Parents and families are expected to be involved in the learning and therapeutic process and procedures and techniques will be incorporated in the child's home and within the community in order to ensure socially significant improvements and generalization of skills. ABA Curriculum and Procedures Our curriculum is based on The ABLLS manual (mentioned above), which incorporates both the principles outlined in Skinner's Verbal Behavior and additional skill areas found in research that are required in order for mastery and complete language development. The manual includes an extensive list of skill areas including communication, cooperation,play, academics, and self-help. Using this manual, we develop an individualized program for each child targeting different skill areas and as each skill is mastered new skills are introduced. The curriculum is developmentally sequenced and implementation is based on progress of the child. Using ABA principles, teaching methods will include one-on-one behavior intervention, small group pairing for social interactions, and verbal behavior based therapy using discrete trial training and the natural learning environment. Insurance and Payment Information ABA therapy is private pay at this time. |
