FAQ

What is ABA?
ABA stands for applied behavior analysis. It is the scientific study of behavior and its relationship to the environment. It incorporates observation and measurement of behavior and the conditions under which behavior occurs. The goal is to effectively change behavior for the benefit of the individual. This is accomplished by systematically changing the environment in which the behavior occurs. ABA does not dictate teaching methods. The experimental literature in the field has elucidated basic principles of human behavior and demonstrated multiple strategies that can be applied to teaching, but ABA is not a method in itself. It does not dictate settings, skills, or curricula. It is descriptive, not prescriptive. It can be used for evaluating the effectiveness of teaching strategies, but it does not dictate what, where, or when to teach.

But isn't the _____ method more effective than traditional ABA?
There is widespread confusion regarding different "brand names" of ABA in special education, particularly with individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities. Examples of such brand names” are "The Lovaas Method", "CABAS", "The Carbone Method/Verbal Behavior Method", "AVB", "DTT", and "NET". All of these brand names have one thing in common: not one of these "teaching methods" constitutes a unique contribution to the principles of behavior. All of them incorporate principles derived from the science of behavior, and none have invented anything new. These methods frequently dictate what, where, when, and how skills will be taught, and how progress will be measured. They are prescriptive. These methods often incorporate scripted curricula, and therapists usually have specific training in the particular method. However, training in a brand name is no substitute for training in behavior science and applied behavior analysis. Brand names provide a way for practitioners to communicate to parents that they focus on particular skills, that teaching sessions incorporate particular strategies, and that progress will be evaluated in a particular way. Brand names provide no guarantee that the services delivered will, in fact, be behavior analytic in nature. Many skilled therapists employ such brand name methods and many students benefit from them; however all of these methods derive from behavior analysis. It is inappropriate to say that any of them is "better" or "different" from any "kind of ABA": there is only one science of behavior.

What's best for my child?
When looking for effective service delivery settings and practitioners for students with disabilities, parents will surely come across some of these brand names. The following list describes quality indicators in special education services, regardless of brand name. The best program for any child with special needs is one that meets the following criteria:

It is based on procedures derived from the principles of behavior
It incorporates continuous, direct measurement of observable behavior
It stresses individualization and specification of student curricula
It evaluates and redesigns teaching based on analysis of data on student performance
It promotes generalization of skills beyond the training environment

The best programs also...

employ Nationally Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
employ individuals with graduate level training in behavior analysis
provide parents and guardians access to student data upon request
provide training to families
utilize a behavior analytic approach to ongoing staff and parent training
keep current with and contribute to professional literature in the field

If you have questions about the services your child is receiving or should receive, review this information with current and potential service providers. Ask them about their training, philosophy, and approach to teaching. Be sure they meet the quality indicators specified previously and that they are willing to collaborate with you to modify your child’s program to best meet his or her individual needs.