What Are The Similarities Between ABA And DIR/Floortime?

As a graduate of the Child, Youth and Family degree program from the University of Guelph, I have my certification as an Early Childhood Educator. As a result, I have been thoroughly taught a deep understanding of child development and program planning. Additionally, I have also received a post-secondary diploma from George Brown College in Behavioural Science Technology which, provided me with knowledge regarding the scientifically proven techniques best suited to employ with children who have special needs and/or behavioural concerns. Specifically, ABA principles, use of behavioural assessment tools, the implementation of specified ABA programs, and frequently utilized data collection procedures utilized as an instructor therapist.

Another program would be the applied behavior analysis department (ABA) this program provides behavior diagnostic services to the children with developmental needs. This program is also connected to the board certified behavior analysts (BCBA). The BCBA are intense therapy treatment that is based on scientifically tested behavioral principles and procedures. The ABA involves steady evaluation of treatment progress and clinical decision-making based on each child. ABA is the only treatment approach with rigorous scientific evidence to support its effectiveness as both comprehensive and focused treatment. The psychology services pay attention to attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, behavioral; disorders, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and difficulties associated with genetic disorders. They start evaluating the students by reviewing their historical background and looking at their past academic history. The Child Development Clinic (CDC) is another program that is provided. It is a multidisciplinary clinic that includes a psychologist and social worker. The psychologist may administer rating scales, cognitive, language, and/or developmental screeners as well as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). Afterwards, the psychologist provides the family with a diagnosis (there may be more than one),

When evaluating a client you are wondering and determining the type of treatment or intervention you would like to introduce. As each client is different, what works for client A may not be effective with client B. In determining the type of intervention there should be a certain level of research along with the gained professional and educational knowledge obtained. While researching treatments there are bound to be a multitude of fad treatments. It is important to research and steer away from alternate treatments also known as AltTs. These treatments are those that attempt to mimic ABA interventions but are not scientifically found. There has been little or no research provided, they have no scientific data, or they may be unsupported. Very few if any have cohesive research studies on entire treatment packages. Using any of these treatments would be deemed unethical. That is why research is key. A lot of AltTs disguise themselves as ABA; when in fact ABA is a science and science is “the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.” ABA seeks to understand and alter behaviors by observation, study, and proven scientific techniques. Using such treatments could, potentially, do more harm than good. We must remember to respect our practice and bestow our best interest and maintain its

After researching and reading articles on PBS and ADA, I found that it was difficult to determine what the difference is, how and what the controversy surrounding PBS and ADA was all about. I found that the major difference between PBS and ABA is the training required, availability of the program, and easiness of implementing the behavior support systems. PBS has received lots of support from the Federal Government and teachers alike, where ABA did not received that support. PBS focuses on changing challenging behavior by changing the environment, the causes, and reasons for the behavior. Also, PBS is used in many schools as school wide behavior support systems. PBS is easy to implement, requires little training or support, but requires does

Autism is a disease that is being diagnosed today more than ever before. In fact, as of 2014 the statistics for diagnosis of autism are one in sixty-eight children, with diagnosis being much more common in boys (Autism Speaks, 2016a). While there are many theories about what causes autism, there is currently not any proven predictor of what will cause this disease to develop (Landrigan, 2010). Since prevention is not possible at this time, it is extremely beneficial and important to research understanding and treatment of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are many avenues of treatment for ASD, but one method that has received significant attention is applied behavior analysis (ABA). The goal of this research article is to explore the definition of applied behavior analysis, its development over time, and its application to real life. Some questions that will be explored are when and where did ABA originate, how has it developed over time, and what researchers contributed new findings to this intervention. Additionally, the methods that have been developed over time to implement ABA will be discussed, specifically with their application to autism and individuals diagnosed with ASD. Finally, there will be a discussion of how skills that individuals with ASD gain from applied behavioral analysis can be applied to a classroom setting.

Applied Behavior Analysis analysts are required to know the steps that are needed and necessary for behavior modification. This type of modification requires a clear definition of the behavior needing modification (target behavior), how this will benefit the individual in need of the modification, a clear plan of modification, and consistent data gathering to determine the effectiveness of the proposed behavior modification plan. In order to achieve a successful modification plan, the ABA professional first needs to gather information about the individual either by direct or indirect means. The modification must always been in the best interest of the individual, or those closest to the individual, and it must be a functional modification that can be carried out in the absence of the analyst. The ABA professional needs to understand the needs of each client. In order to do this, the professional will have to assess the behavior, gather data, identify a target behavior, propose a hypothesis about an intervention, implement the modification program, gather more data about the effectiveness of the program, and report about the outcome.

ABA used picture cards, the child’s favorite foods, toys, and other desired activities for rewards. PRT had child-chosen foods, toys, and activities for rewards. Baselines were then collected to create an MLU (mean length of utterance). The intervention sessions went on twice weekly for 60 minutes over a three month period. Parents and teachers were kept completely in the dark about the interventions other than that they knew one of the two was taking place during this duration. There are several procedures that made the two interventions different.

Another important step of ABA therapy is Discrete Trial Training (DTT). Cosgrove (2014) defines “discrete trial training (DTT) is a method of teaching in simplified and structured steps instead of teaching an entire skill in one go, the skill is broken down and “built-up using discrete trials that teach each step one at a time” (p. 1). Each teaching attempt is called a trial and data is taken on how effective the student does with what is asked. This is similar to chaining but is usually used more for learning

The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve marked deficits in social interaction as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors and language difficulties (Leblanc, Richardson, & Warnie, 2005). Although autism can have a profound impact on the capabilities and functioning of the individual, emerging research indicates that applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be an effective tool for addressing many of the deficits that children with ASD face (Boutot & Myles, 2016). In fact, emerging research indicates that when ABA is utilized for the treatment of young children with ASD many of the challenges faced by this group can be ameliorated (Boutot & Myles, 2016). With these issues in mind the current investigation considers the seven elements of ABA identified by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) in their seminal article on applied behavioral analysis and their application to individuals with ASD. Through a critical review of the seven elements of ABA in relation to ASD it will be possible to illustrate how this approach can be effective for improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism.

Since Skinner’s time there has been much research done and many new techniques made in ABA especially in regards of teaching people how to increase behaviors associated with learning and decreasing those that may inhibit learning. These new techniques have been used to help successfully treat or improve the lives of several people with various degrees and types of disabilities and learning disorders. These techniques have been adapted from being used exclusively on adults and modified for children. These techniques can be formally initiated, meaning that they are done in a classroom or a behavioral analysts’ office, or they can be taught to parents or caretakers and are often used to develop skills such as learning theory of mind, eye contact, social skills, and other necessary skills (Renna, 2004).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most misunderstood methods of reinforcement. ABA also is referred to as ‘behavior modification’, which is the main contributor of the negative connotation with this method. ABA is the application of behavioral learning principles to change behavior (Woolfolk 256). Applied Behavior Analysis can be very successful in the classroom if done correctly. However, to begin this, one must study a student to decide what reinforcers will best work to modify the behavior.

ABA is a scientific process of examining what causes and maintains behaviour, in order to bring about positive change.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as "a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. Social communication deficits include impairments in aspects of joint attention and social reciprocity, as well as challenges in the use of verbal and nonverbal communicative behaviors for social interaction" (2016). The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) in a language intervention program recommended for children, usually 12 to 48 months of age, who present with ASD (Vivanti, 2016). According to Autism Speaks Inc., ESDM intervention requires training and certification and can be delivered by a psychologist, behaviorist, occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, early intervention specialist or developmental pediatrician, and is intended as a naturalistic approach to therapy because it does not require a fixed setting for delivery. Generalization of the intervention requires intense parent involvement and "can be delivered by therapy teams and/or parents in group programs or individual sessions in either a clinic setting or the child 's home" (2016). According to Schreibman et al., ESDM combines naturalistic intervention behavioral intervention (NDBI) with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) principles, which have shown through evidence based practice to induce behavioral changes,

My enthusiasm for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in kids and pre-adults began in the midst of my journey for a graduate degree in teaching. When I graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology, I noticed there were many available instructing positions in teaching. I chose to seek after a graduate

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is the leading scientific method that helps patients with Autism to overcome their condition. In order to improve their condition, ABA specialists focus on a system of reward, which encourages positive actions like speech, social activity and life skill improvements. This works mostly with children as they are more likely to absorb and accept new challenges; this is commonly referred to as "positive reinforcement" in the literature and has become one of the leading directions for treatment. ABA therapy was devised and implemented by Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA in 1987. Since then, ABA therapy has become a leading branch of psychology - behaviorism.