Parent Training Services

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied behavior analysis is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior. It applies to all behavior. It is not specific to Autism.

Emphasis on the function of the behavior

Emphasis on observable and measurable behavior

Requires data collection and repeated analysis

Change environment to change behavior

Everyone is accountable for progress

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA is the applied use of behavioral principles to everyday situations with the goal of either increasing or decreasing targeted behaviors. How this translates into the practical application will depend on the specific situation. Nevertheless, all ABA programs share similar components: discrete trial teaching, programming for generalization to the natural environment, reinforcement, prompting and fading strategies, and outcome-based decision-making.

What is ABA Not?

Not exclusive to the treatment of Autism/Intellectual Disabilities

Not invalidated due to the focus on one child at a time

Not one standard set of procedures

Not only for maladaptive behaviors

Not only useful in clinic settings

Not based on aversives

Not a new fad

Not easy

The Team

We are a collaborative team.

Our team consists of:

• A Supervisor (BCBA/BCaBA)

• RBT

• Parent

• Child

• Sometimes school staff

Supervisor

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA/BCaBA)

The supervisor for your child’s ABA program has a variety of responsibilities

• Observations

• Ongoing assessment

• Developing the goals and plan

• Training and supervising staff

• Writing reports that detail your child’s progress

• Translates raw data into graphs

• Graphs are visual interpretations of a child’s progress or lack of progress

• Tweaks the plan and prepares for future plans based on observation, data, and parent/staff reviews

• Assist with transitions from the home environment to the school environment

Mandated Reporter

A mandated reporter is a person who is legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Examples:

• Therapist

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Teachers

• Police officers

• Anyone who works with children in a professional capacity.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA, BCaBA, or FL-CBA.

The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services.

• Implementation of the plan under the direction of the supervisor

• Collect data

• The RBT does not design intervention or assessment plans.

• The RBT does not:

• Diagnose 

• Give advise 

• Report the child’s progress to anyone

• Share information about their case

• Independently change the plan or schedule without the knowledge and consent of their supervisor

Parent Training

Parent Training is an umbrella term that covers all the information your child’s team tailors to your needs. The agency that serves your child may have specific parent training topics they will provide information on, such as general autism or basic behavioral change training. they can also provide parent training on any topic that they decide might benefit your child and your family.

Think of the parent training as an opportunity to learn tools and techniques that will stay in your ABA “toolbox” for life.

Examples:

• 1:1 training by the BCBA

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

• Picture Exchange System (PECS)

• Functional Communication Training (FCT)

Resources

An Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis.ppt

Callie Plattner, LPA, BCBA

Carolina Center for ABA and Autism Treatment

Managing Disruptive Behaviors.ppt

Florida Atlantic University (FAU)/Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

Johnson, Elle Olivia. The Parent’s Guide to in-Home ABA Programs:   Frequently Asked Questions about Applied Behavior Analysis for   Your Child with Autism. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2013.

Kearney, A. J. (2015). Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis, Second   Edition: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and other professionals. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.