Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has proven to be a highly effective approach in shaping prosocial behaviors and addressing behavioral challenges in children, especially those on the autism spectrum. By utilizing various techniques, behavior analysts can help children develop essential skills, improve communication, and manage difficult behaviors.
In this blog, we will explore some of the key ABA techniques that play a critical role in supporting children’s learning and growth. It is important to note that these techniques are based in the science of behavior and are not to be used without understanding the function of the behavior. If in doubt, contact a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) who can help you address these behaviors safely and efficiently.
1. Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is when a rewarding or enjoyable stimulus is provided after a specific behavior is performed and future instances of that behavior increase. It’s important to be sure to only reinforce behaviors that are effective for the individual in a specific environment.
Types of reinforcement
1. Social Reinforcers
Social reinforcers involve showing approval to encourage behavior. For example, a teacher or parent might commend a child for their efforts, or an employer could compliment an employee by acknowledging their work as outstanding.
2. Natural Reinforcers
Natural reinforcers are outcomes that naturally follow a specific behavior. For instance, when someone invests time and effort into crafting a successful work campaign, their hard work might lead to a feeling of accomplishment. Or when someone says hi, generally that behavior is rewarded by the other person saying hi back.
3. Token Reinforcers
Token reinforcers are rewards such as points or tokens given for specific actions, which can later be traded for something valuable. For instance, a teacher might award points to a student for timely assignment completion, and those points could be redeemed for a prize.
4. Tangible Reinforcers
Tangible reinforcers are physical rewards given to encourage behavior, such as candy, toys, treats, money, or other desirable items. While these rewards can be highly effective, relying on them too much might reduce motivation when they’re not offered.
2. Discrete Trial Training
Discrete trial training (DTT) is commonly used in ABA. It involves breaking down skills into small, distinct steps or components, which are taught individually. During DTT, the therapist introduces each step to the child systematically, providing positive reinforcement for every correct response, and then fading that reinforcement.
For instance, if the goal is to help the child recognize emotions, the therapist might start with identifying "happiness." The child could be presented with several photos showing various emotions and asked to point to the one that depicts happiness.
When the child correctly identifies the happy face, they receive positive reinforcement, such as praise or a pre-determined reward. This structured approach helps make learning clear, engaging, and effective.
3. Modeling
Modeling is a method of learning where a person observes someone else’s actions and then imitates them. Often referred to as observational or social learning, this process doesn’t require direct instruction. In fact, people may not even realize that someone is modeling their behavior. Modeling can introduce new behaviors, change how often a previously learned behavior occurs, or encourage similar behaviors to happen more frequently.
Components of Modeling
- Attention: The first step is focusing on the behavior being observed. Without attention, replication of the behavior cannot occur.
- Retention: After observing the behavior, one must be able to remember and store the information in order to replicate it later.
- Reproduction: This involves the ability to translate the observed behavior into one’s own actions. One needs to have the skill to reproduce the behavior.
- Motivation: The final step is having a reason or incentive to imitate the behavior. Without motivation, the behavior will not be modeled.
4. Extinction
In ABA, extinction refers to a method used to decrease unwanted or problematic behaviors. Various strategies are developed to address these behaviors based on how they are being maintained.
Some behaviors persist because they are positively reinforced. For instance, a child might become louder to gain attention, and the attention they receive reinforces the behavior.
For instance, if a child refuses to do their homework and is sent to a quiet space as a consequence, the removal of the task might actually reinforce the defiant behavior, even though the situation is intended to punish the child. This is why behavior analysts always speak of punishing behavior and not children. Our goal is never to punish a child, however there are certain harmful behaviors that are targeted for decrease.
Regardless of the reason behind a child's interfering behavior, their behavior analyst may use extinction as a way to reduce it. To eliminate the problem behavior, it needs to be linked with the absence of reinforcement.
If a behavior used to lead to the removal of something unpleasant, that outcome must no longer occur. Over time, the child learns that the behavior no longer provides the desired result, causing the behavior to fade. Extinction is almost never used alone, but paired with differential reinforcement - that is reinforcement of a replacement behavior.
5. Functional Behavior Assessment
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a method that is used to pinpoint the functions of the behaviors that aren’t productive in order to support your child’s learning and development.
This assessment helps the behavior analyst understand the specific behaviors, uncover the reinforcement behind them (because if a behavior is happening, then it is being reinforced), and identify the functions of the behaviors. The results of the FBA will guide the behavior analyst in creating effective strategies to help your child make progress and thrive.
6. Antecedent Based Interventions
Antecedent-Based Interventions (ABI) focus on the events or triggers that occur before a behavior takes place. To better comprehend ABI, one should understand that the science of behavior explores learning as a three-step process: Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence (ABC). In this model, an antecedent (A) is the event or situation that prompts a behavior (B). The behavior then leads to a specific consequence (C).
For example,
- If your child feels hungry, that hunger serves as the antecedent (A).
- In response, your child eats a banana (B).
- The consequence (C) of eating the banana is that their hunger is satisfied.
In this scenario, the outcome reinforces the behavior, making it more likely that your child will choose to eat a banana again when they feel hungry.
7. Functional Communication Training
Functional communication training (FCT) is about developing communication skills to help mitigate harmful behaviors. FCT often makes use of differential reinforcement (DR) where a child is taught to replace one behavior with the other. Typically, a child is guided to replace problematic behaviors with appropriate communication methods, such as using a specific phrase or another form of expression. Functional Communication Training (FCT) interventions follow a structured approach through several stages:
- Assessing the Problem Behavior
- Choosing an Appropriate Communication Method
- Teaching the New Communication Skill
- Reinforcing the Replacement Behavior (Communication)
- Providing Gentle Reminders
- Disregarding the Problem Behavior
For instance, if your child tends to throw their pencil when feeling frustrated, their ABA therapist might help them replace this behavior with a more constructive approach, like saying, "I'm feeling frustrated." This process helps the child develop more effective ways to express themselves while reducing inappropriate behaviors.
8. Parent-Implemented Intervention
Many ABA programs have successfully incorporated Parent-Implemented Interventions (PII). In this approach, ABA practitioners work closely with parents, providing training and guidance to help them implement strategies with their child. Research shows that PII can be a highly effective method for supporting and teaching children with autism.
9. Pivotal Response Training
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a specialized approach within ABA. It focuses on pivotal areas of development—key behaviors that have a broad impact on improving other skills—. PRT often takes place in a playful and engaging environment, making learning more enjoyable for children.
For instance, during a play session, if your child is learning to request for toys, they may receive positive reinforcement when they appropriately ask for the toys available. Over time, this skill is likely to expand, enabling your child to make similar requests for other desired items in various settings.
10. Redirection
Redirection is a widely used technique by practitioners and caregivers to address challenging behaviors. When using this approach, an ABA therapist shifts the child's focus away from the problematic behavior and guides their attention toward a more appropriate action or activity.
11. Scripting
Scripting involves repeating specific phrases or sentences multiple times to help a child learn a new skill. Behavior analysts often use this method by creating a detailed description of a skill or situation.
They practice the script with the child to build familiarity and confidence before applying the skill in real-life scenarios. For instance, a script might be as straightforward as, "Say hi when you meet a new friend."
12. Prompting
Prompting is an essential ABA technique that involves providing cues or hints to help a child complete a task or learn a new skill that they are unlikely to do on their own or with instruction only. These cues can be physical, verbal, or visual, and they guide the child’s behavior toward a desired response. The goal is to provide the necessary support at the beginning and then gradually fade the prompts, encouraging the child to perform the behavior independently over time.
Prompting can involve physical prompts, where the child’s hand or body is gently guided; verbal prompts, which provide spoken cues to help the child understand expectations; model prompts, where the child is shown an action; positional prompts, where the correct answer is placed closer to the child; or visual prompts, which use pictures, words, gestures, or other visual cues to assist the child in performing a task.
13. Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is an ABA technique that focuses on teaching in the child’s everyday environment. Unlike more structured teaching methods, NET uses the child’s interests and natural motivations in real-world settings to encourage learning.
This approach helps the child generalize new skills across various contexts, making the learning more meaningful and applicable in daily life.
NET focuses on the child’s interests and natural environment. For example, if a child is playing with a ball, a therapist may teach them to request it, promoting communication in a natural setting.
Learning happens during playful activities, making it enjoyable and non-pressuring, which helps engage the child.
Since NET occurs in real-world settings, it helps children apply learned skills in different environments, such as at home, school, or a park.
Conclusion
Incorporating a range of strategies, ABA offers a structured and dynamic approach to behavior change. From positive reinforcement to functional communication training, these techniques aim to enhance children's social skills, self-expression, and overall development.
Whether through parent involvement or specialized interventions like Pivotal Response Training, ABA provides valuable tools that foster progress and create lasting change in children’s lives.
