What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior.
A – “Applied”: ABA interventions deal with behaviors that are important, have relevance to a client’s life and/or the life of the client’s caregivers.
B – “Behavior”: Behavior is anything that a person does.
A – “Analysis”: Analysis refers to the ability to evaluate and record changes to better understand behavioral changes
✓ ABA encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors in order to improve a variety of skills.
✓ The child’s progress is tracked and measured.
✓ ABA utilizes empirically validated approaches to address challenging behavior as well as to teach a vast range of skills needed to experience a rich and fulfilling life.
ABA is a comprehensive treatment approach that was developed over 100 years ago to help us gain a better understanding of how we learn. Over a century of research and clinical experience using behavioral learning principles has improved our understanding of the complex relationship between our experiences and the environment, and how we learn and interact.
In the United States, both the National Research Council and the American Academy of Pediatrics identify ABA as THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT for individuals diagnosed with ASD.
Who is ABA for?
ABA has been recommended as a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with Autism and it’s the only Autism intervention that has scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness.
With children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, we have to look at what each student’s individual deficits are – whether it is issues with their attention, their language, their play or their social skills.
Once we have identified the complex skills that need to be learnt, that’s when we break it down, teach them until mastery and then help the students apply those skills in the future. Since we individualize each and every student’s program, good ABA can be used with any learner!
ABA in Singapore (MOH Clinical Recommendation)
Many treatment options can help to improve outcomes for children. In a field exploding with alternative treatments, choosing the best course of action for the child with autism can be a daunting task. Following Singapore’s AMS-MOH Clinical Practice Guideline 1/2010, one of the most scientifically proven treatment methods for autism is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Awarded Grade A in terms of Level of Recommendation and Level 1++ in terms of Level of Evidence. ABA is the highest-rated treatment method by the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH).
Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (EIBI)
Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) represents a specific approach within the broader case of ‘applied behaviour analysis’ (ABA) interventions. ABA is often used synonymously with EIBI. The original home programme with interventionists of typically lasted at least 2 years and involved about 40 hours of weekly intervention.207 Recent systematic reviews showed that EIBI was efficacious but had variable outcomes, suggesting that EIBI was not effective for all children with ASD.208, 209 No studies replicated the magnitude of efficacy reported by Lovaas (i.e. significant gains on intelligence tests and claims of ‘recovery’, as defined by a placement in mainstream schools without assistance). 173
Grade A, Level 1++ – Early Intensive Intervention (EIBI) can be recommended as an intervention option for children with ASD.”
BCBA Certification
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.
BCBAs may supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts® (BCaBAs®), Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®), and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions.
Click to read the BCBA Handbook which describes the requirements for obtaining and maintaining BCBA certification.
Learn more at https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
Common Misconceptions & Myths of ABA
Fact: ABA can be used to help all people regardless of their age, gender or diagnosis
Fact: ABA programming can take place in all different formats
Fact: ABA instructions can and should occur anywhere, especially in natural contexts
Fact: Quality ABA is flexible and natural
Fact: Reinforcement is a core aspect of ABA
Why not all ABA are the same?
At Autism Partnership (AP), we adopt our very own unique style of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) known as the Autism Partnership Method (APM). APM is a progressive model of ABA that is highly individualized, child-friendly, holistic, and focused on “in the moment analysis” and “clinical judgement”. It has been developed over 40 years and is the result of the hundreds of clinicians working around the world for AP.
Our ABA programs are highly clinically driven and utilize procedures that have been developed out of working with children and from our research center. We aim not solely to maximize the progress of each child under our care, but also to provide guidance and support to the family.
We Manage Challenging Behaviors
Many of our students have different levels of challenging behavior. These problems may include inattention, aggression, rigidities, and self-stimulation. These behaviors do not only add stress to their domestic life, they also obstruct children’s learning. It is critical to deal with these issues to maximize learning opportunities and teach our students how to learn effectively. Decades of research in functional analysis of behavior equips us with effective tools to deal with the most challenging behavioral problems.
Our Autism Partnership Method (APM) is fun, child-centered, and naturalistic. Our programs are highly individualized and clinically driven. We utilize procedures based on experience, clinical research, and evidence. AP aims not solely to maximize the progress of each child under our care, but also to provide guidance and support to the family.
We believe that children can make amazing gains with a highly individualized and intensive learning program.
Our curriculum is all-inclusive focusing on critical foundations.
Individualized Programs
Fun & Naturalistic Teaching
Innovative With Natural Reinforcement
All Inclusive Curriculum
Intensive & Consistent for Maximum Results
Parent Involvement & Training
Learning Objectives for Progress Evaluation
Multi-tier Supervision & Case Management
Qualified & Highly Trained Staff
Regular Training & Active Learning
Our curriculum is all-inclusive focusing on critical foundation skills including managing behaviors, communication, social, learning-how-learn, and self-help skills. We teach in a fun and innovative way with natural reinforcements that motivate children to learn and make rapid progress.
With a multi-tier supervision system and a team of qualified and highly trained staff, we constantly evaluate the learning objectives of your child’s program to ensure progress. Additionally, we conduct regular training to ensure active learning and provide the best quality of ABA therapy based on our APM.
