Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis

What is Applied Behavior Analysis? (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007) Technical definition: the science in which –procedures derived from the principles of learning –are systematically applied to improve socially significant behavior –and to demonstrate experimentally that the procedures used were responsible for the improvement in behavior What you might say to your Aunt Sally: – a scientific approach to understanding why people do what they do and helping them make meaningful changes in their behavior

What is ABA? Formally began in 1959 with Ayllon and Michael’s paper: The Psychiatric Nurse as a Behavioral Engineer - &blobtype=pdf &blobtype=pdf 1968 – Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA)Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis In 1 st issue, Baer, Wolf and Risley’s paper: Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis

1. Applied Behavior is selected for treatment because it is socially significant for the learner It will improve one’s life in the areas of: social, language, academic, daily living, self-care, vocational, and/or recreation and leisure Clinical: What behaviors should be targeted for change? Research?

2. Behavioral Target to be changed is actual, observable behavior rather than verbal reports of behavior –If thoughts or other private events are the targets Collect data on behavioral measures if at all possible Administer multiple measures of verbal report If you want to evaluate the effects of a program to teach children how to get along with each other, don ’ t measure their reports of how well they get along. Measure …

3. Analytic When implementing an intervention… To the greatest extent possible… Demonstrate that it was your treatment (and not something else) that produced the behavior change –Use single-case designs Examples –You’ve decided to evaluate a treatment to reduce Brian’s hand biting. After 2 weeks, his hand biting is occurring less frequently. –You are trying a new way to teach reading to Matt. At the same time, Matt’s home therapist is beginning a reading program.

4. Conceptually Systematic –Procedures for changing behavior … –And explanations for why behavior changed … –Should be described in terms of relevant behavioral principles –Example: PROMPT

5. Technological Procedures are identified, defined and task analyzed Describe in enough detail so that … –Someone else could do it Detailed protocols

6. Effective –Amount of behavior change should be practical Clinical significance –How do you know how much is enough? Evaluate social validity of your –Goals –Procedures –Outcomes –Example Treating pica

7. Generality Behavior change should –Last over time (maintenance) –Occur with untrained materials, in untrained situations and environments, with novel people

Areas of Application in BA… Autism/PDD ADHD Tic Disorders Schizophrenia Dementia/Alzheimer’s Anxiety Phobias Depression MR/DD Feeding/eating Disorders Psychotherapy Substance Abuse Relaxation Education Child Development Sports Language Training Self-injury, aggression, stereotypy Gambling Addiction Parenting Sleep problems Toileting/Incontinence Systems Staff training Gerontology Foster child system Animal training Pain management Adherence to medical treatments Safety Brain Injury