By Jordan Molina, RBT and Katrina Deminski, BCBA
Child and Family Development’s ABA program is small but mighty. The size of our department helps to provide high quality support to family and to team members. This, in turn, helps to support our clients to reach their potential while also encouraging confidence and independence. When it comes to supporting your child’s development, navigating behavioral challenges can feel overwhelming. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven scientific approach to understanding and guiding behavior, and it can make a world of difference for children and families alike.
What Is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a method grounded in science that helps understand and improve behavior. By focusing on observable actions rather than labels or emotions, ABA works to create meaningful changes in behaviors that matter most to a child’s daily life.
Behavior: It’s All About Action
In ABA, behavior refers to anything a living organism says or does. Think actions, not labels—what we can observe and measure. For example:
- A peer takes a toy away (behavior).
- Your child starts crying (behavior).
Describing behaviors in this way helps us better understand and address them.
The ABCs of Behavior
To analyze and understand why a behavior happens, ABA practitioners use the ABC model:
- Antecedent: What happened before the behavior?
- Behavior: What action took place?
- Consequence: What happened immediately after the behavior?
For example:
- Antecedent: You say, “It’s time to clean up.”
- Behavior: Your child throws toys across the room.
- Consequence: You put the toys away for them.
This sequence provides valuable insights into what triggers certain behaviors and how they’re reinforced.
Reinforcement: A Key Concept
Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior happening again:
- Positive Reinforcement: Adding something desirable. (e.g., Giving praise or a reward when a child completes their homework.)
- Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant. (e.g., Using sunscreen to prevent sunburn makes you more likely to apply it next time.)
Functions of Behavior
Understanding why a behavior occurs is essential for effective intervention. In ABA, behaviors often serve one or more of these functions:
- Escape/Avoidance: Trying to avoid a task or situation.
- Attention: Seeking interaction from others.
- Access to Tangibles: Trying to get something they want.
- Automatic (Sensory): Seeking sensory input or self-soothing.
Effective Strategies for Parents
Here are some ways you can apply ABA principles at home:
- Identify Triggers and Patterns: Observe the ABCs of behavior to see what sets your child off and how they respond.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate progress by rewarding desired behaviors with praise or small incentives.
- Set Clear Expectations: Communicate rules and consequences in a calm and consistent manner.
- Redirect Attention: For attention-seeking behaviors, focus on reinforcing positive actions instead of reacting to negative ones.
- Seek Professional Support: If you believe your child could benefit from ABA, consult with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to create an individualized plan.
A Final Note
ABA is a collaborative process, and its principles can empower you to better understand your child’s needs and foster their growth. With patience, consistency, and support, even challenging behaviors can be transformed into opportunities for learning and connection.