Pediatric Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Behavior Management • Verbal Behavior • Skill Acquisition • Peer Interactions •Play Skills • Academic Skills • Daily Living Skills •
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of scientifically derived principles of behavior. ABA is used to increase skills in language, play, and socialization while decreasing or eliminating behaviors that interfere with the child’s learning. ABA is performed in an intensive one on one setting in the home, school, or community environment. Specific targets are chosen based on the child’s current level of functioning and are reevaluated as the child achieves these goals. ABA has also been shown to be an effective intervention for children with autism.
Behavior Management Much of what we call “problem” behavior is really a form of communication. Many times, the individual displaying problem behaviors is doing so because he or she does not know how to get their message across in a better or more socially acceptable way. The problematic behavior serves a function in that it allows the individual to get certain needs met.
Behavior Management services begins with an assessment that helps to identify the reason the “problem” behaviors are occurring. The assessment generally includes interviews with primary caregivers and direct observation of the client in the environment where the behaviors are occurring. Once the function of the behavior is determined, a Shine Bright Therapy clinician will develop a treatment plan that will be reviewed with your family. The clinician will then provide training on how to run the programs and will provide coaching until positive behavior changes have been observed. Once the plan is shown to be effective, the clinician will fade the frequency of coaching until your family is able to maintain the program without assistance.
Verbal Behavior teaches communication using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Unlike other therapies, verbal behavior focuses on using “verbal operants” to create contingencies in your child’s environment so that words aren’t merely labels, but rather serve a function. Verbal behavior also helps to reduce frustration by using an “errorless learning” technique, which incorporates immediate, as-needed prompts to help your child communicate even if they are unable to use whole words. This shows your child that any form of functional communication, even pointing or signaling, can produce positive results.