Introduction to ABA principles
Here is a nice little fact for you. ABA works. Even better? Anyone can learn ABA.
Let’s differentiate two terms: ABA therapy vs ABA principles.
What is the difference?
When people use the term, “ABA principles” or “behavioral principles,” they are referring to the general science of applied behavior analysis. ANYONE can learn behavioral principles. When people say, “ABA therapy” (also referred to as an ABA program), they are talking about the implementation of a program designed specifically for a person by certified ABA professionals. These programs are designed using both basic and advanced ABA principles as the driving force.
In other words, a person can learn ABA principles even before the ABA therapy begins. Let’s face it. The diagnostic and assessment process is long. Then, once you have a diagnosis in your hot little hand, you have to find an ABA provider. Sometimes finding the right one for your family takes time. Then, sometimes waiting lists are long. There is no reason parents, teachers, and learners needs to suffer while they wait for services to start. They can start learning right away and give their learner a nice little boost while contracts and schedules get sorted.
More about “ABA principles” or “behavioral principles”
ABA is a huge and complex field of study. You can take college classes to learn these principles if you want to. You could even get a master’s or doctorate degree in ABA if you really wanted to become proficient! But this is NOT necessary.
Learning about ABA principles is kind of like learning math. The basics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.) are very important to understand. If you don’t understand the basic math concepts, you will not be able to understand more advanced concepts. Not everyone needs to learn advanced math (or remember them long-term), of course. But understanding the basics allows a person to do daily things successfully, such as balancing a checkbook or determining if they got the correct change from a cashier.
The same thing holds true for ABA. A fundamental understanding of ABA will help a person get through their day more successfully, because they will have a better understanding of behavior. This comes in handy more often than you would think. It will help a person become more
More about “ABA therapy” (also referred to as an ABA program)
ABA therapy is designed, lead, and conducted by well-educated and trained individuals certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). It is a formal process, and is never just “thrown together.” There are assessments, goals are developed, and there is a formal processes that must be followed when creating an ABA program.
It is systematically designed to meet the individual needs of the person and the environment in which they live. Certified individuals are responsible for developing skill acquisition and behavior reduction plans based on the individual’s needs. They have an in-depth understanding of the current best practices in ABA. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs individualized goals and behavior support plans. They provide training and ongoing support to families and staff. It is very important that a trained, well-educated, and qualified BCBA lead an ABA program.
By nature, ABA therapy is an individualized treatment. Why? Because if “typical” teaching methods worked, ABA therapy would not be necessary! A learner could simply pick up all the skills they need to learn from the natural environment.
That being said, ABA principles are standard and true for everyone. Literally. ABA works for everyone. Even you. Let me give you an example. Ask yourself these questions:
Most people would answer something like:
Let’s differentiate two terms: ABA therapy vs ABA principles.
What is the difference?
When people use the term, “ABA principles” or “behavioral principles,” they are referring to the general science of applied behavior analysis. ANYONE can learn behavioral principles. When people say, “ABA therapy” (also referred to as an ABA program), they are talking about the implementation of a program designed specifically for a person by certified ABA professionals. These programs are designed using both basic and advanced ABA principles as the driving force.
In other words, a person can learn ABA principles even before the ABA therapy begins. Let’s face it. The diagnostic and assessment process is long. Then, once you have a diagnosis in your hot little hand, you have to find an ABA provider. Sometimes finding the right one for your family takes time. Then, sometimes waiting lists are long. There is no reason parents, teachers, and learners needs to suffer while they wait for services to start. They can start learning right away and give their learner a nice little boost while contracts and schedules get sorted.
More about “ABA principles” or “behavioral principles”
ABA is a huge and complex field of study. You can take college classes to learn these principles if you want to. You could even get a master’s or doctorate degree in ABA if you really wanted to become proficient! But this is NOT necessary.
Learning about ABA principles is kind of like learning math. The basics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.) are very important to understand. If you don’t understand the basic math concepts, you will not be able to understand more advanced concepts. Not everyone needs to learn advanced math (or remember them long-term), of course. But understanding the basics allows a person to do daily things successfully, such as balancing a checkbook or determining if they got the correct change from a cashier.
The same thing holds true for ABA. A fundamental understanding of ABA will help a person get through their day more successfully, because they will have a better understanding of behavior. This comes in handy more often than you would think. It will help a person become more
- Observant
- Analytical
- Able to predict and prevent problems
- Able to be a wise consumer of information
- Able to deescalate a situation
- Understanding of other people
- Understanding of their own behavior and habits
- And even more enjoyable to be around
More about “ABA therapy” (also referred to as an ABA program)
ABA therapy is designed, lead, and conducted by well-educated and trained individuals certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). It is a formal process, and is never just “thrown together.” There are assessments, goals are developed, and there is a formal processes that must be followed when creating an ABA program.
It is systematically designed to meet the individual needs of the person and the environment in which they live. Certified individuals are responsible for developing skill acquisition and behavior reduction plans based on the individual’s needs. They have an in-depth understanding of the current best practices in ABA. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs individualized goals and behavior support plans. They provide training and ongoing support to families and staff. It is very important that a trained, well-educated, and qualified BCBA lead an ABA program.
By nature, ABA therapy is an individualized treatment. Why? Because if “typical” teaching methods worked, ABA therapy would not be necessary! A learner could simply pick up all the skills they need to learn from the natural environment.
That being said, ABA principles are standard and true for everyone. Literally. ABA works for everyone. Even you. Let me give you an example. Ask yourself these questions:
- What thoughts go through your head when your child cries?
- How do you feel when your child cries? Is it a good feeling or a bad feeling?
- What do you do when your child cries?
Most people would answer something like:
- What thoughts go through your head when your child cries? “What’s wrong with my child? Whatever it is, I need to fix it.” Or, “Oh, no, I need to make it stop!” Or, “Here we go again.” Or, “Poor kid.”
- How do you feel when your child cries? Is it a good feeling or a bad feeling? Regardless of the thought a person has when their child is in distress, the feeling that follows is not a good one. Most people would feel anxious, worried, annoyed, or sad. When people have uncomfortable feelings, they tend to act on them.
- What do you do when your child cries? Most people would say, “I ask what is wrong” or “I go check on them” or “I try to ignore it if I don’t think anything is wrong, but eventually I go check on them anyway.”
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