ABA Methodology
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral principles such as positive reinforcement, shaping small steps, prompting and repeated practice. The goal of ABA is to have a significant impact on behavior that is socially significant and behavior that is important to the family, loved ones and community in general. ABA is the most effective method to teach children and adolescents with autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and other developmental disabilities. ABA procedures are founded in and validated in scientific research.
ABA methodology is utilized to develop language, social, play, academic, and independent living skills. ABA methods are also implemented to decrease problem behaviors such as noncompliance, aggression, tantrums, feeding problems and self-injurious behaviors. Ongoing data collection on performance and behaviors is taken on all programs and goal objectives targeted during each session. This data guides decision making in our individualized ABA programs to ensure progress is being made. Data is compiled and analyzed and reflected in a Progress Report every 6 months.
ABA methodology is utilized to develop language, social, play, academic, and independent living skills. ABA methods are also implemented to decrease problem behaviors such as noncompliance, aggression, tantrums, feeding problems and self-injurious behaviors. Ongoing data collection on performance and behaviors is taken on all programs and goal objectives targeted during each session. This data guides decision making in our individualized ABA programs to ensure progress is being made. Data is compiled and analyzed and reflected in a Progress Report every 6 months.
Verbal Behavior Training
Verbal Behavior Training teaches communication using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and the theories of behaviorist B.F. Skinner. Verbal Behavior Training focuses on motivating the learner to use language by connecting words with their purposes and creating opportunities to use words. The goal is to teach the learner that using words appropriately helps them obtain needed and desired objects, people and activities, make meaningful comments and reciprocally communicate rather than simply labeling objects. In other words, we do not focus on teaching rote memorization of labels, rather we focus on teaching an understanding of language and how using language greatly benefits the learner. Verbal Behavior Training typically focuses on teaching the learner verbal operants (verbal skills) such as manding (requesting), echoics (exact imitations) tacting (commenting) and intraverbals (conversational skills). A high amount of praise and positive reinforcement are utilized to reinforce and maintain new language. Parents, family members and other caregivers are taught to use verbal behavior principles to maximize learning and help generalize and solidify newly learned language.
> Click here to read more about Verbal Behavior Training
> Click here to read more about Verbal Behavior Training
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
Pivotal response treatment (PRT) is a naturalistic ABA treatment for autism. In PRT, "pivotal" areas of development are targeted that include self management, initiation of social interaction, responding to social and communication cues and motivation. PRT produces large improvements in broader developmental areas. Skills are taught within activities that the child initiates and is motivated to engage in. Reinforcement in PRT is very natural and is typically directly related to the behavior. For example, if a child requests a toy they are given that toy rather than an unrelated reinforcer such as a cookie. Parent training is a large component of PRT as these methods should be used throughout the child's day for optimal learning and benefits.
> Click here to read more about Pivotal Response Treatment
> Click here to read more about Pivotal Response Treatment
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
In Natural Environment Teaching (NET) clients acquire new skills through fun and reinforcing play activities. Goals are taught directly by inserting learning opportunities into natural and fun play. Many learners on the Autism spectrum have limited play skills so Natural Environment Teaching focuses on pairing clients preferred items and activities with new activities in an effort to expand the learner’s interests and teach new skills.
> Click here to read more about Natural Environment Teaching
> Click here to read more about Natural Environment Teaching
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is an effective ABA teaching method. DTT becomes more effective when it is integrated with more naturalistic teaching strategies. When DTT is implemented at Morning Star ABA Therapy the session activities will vary greatly and DTT may only fill one or two 15 minute segments while the rest of the session will use more naturalistic teaching methods integrated into daily routines and play. This keeps the sessions motivating and fun for our clients and sets them up for maximum learning and success.
> Click here to read more about Discrete Trial Training
> Click here to read more about Discrete Trial Training
