Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a psychological intervention or therapy based on the science of learning and behavior used to address socially significant behavior to improve the life experience of individuals.
ABA therapy changes behavior by first assessing the functional relationship between the targeted, or challenging, behavior and the environment in which the behavior occurs.
This process brings an understanding of the antecedents--what happens before the target behavior occurs--and consequences--what happens after the target behavior occurs--to improve knowledge and skills to better navigate the world and support others.
Why is this approach useful?
Examining Antecedents and consequences helps to answer questions:
Why might this behavior be happening?
How might different consequences affect whether the target behavior is likely to happen again?
Next, to support increased independence, the analyst develops a plan with the client to learn socially acceptable alternatives for behaviors that are interfering with success. Treatment goals, based on the age and ability of the individual, commonly address:
communication
language
self-care
social skills
learning and academic skills
play and leisure
reducing the problem behavior
What will my services look like?
At The Joy and Wellness Center, we provide a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to help gain an understanding of what the antecedents and consequences are for the targeted behavior and a Behavior Support Plan to assist individuals and caregivers in moving forward.