Applied Behavior Analysis: Take-Home Techniques

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is an evidence-based approach to understanding and modifying behavior. It is most often used in special education and autism treatment, but its techniques can be used to benefit anyone.

The foundation of this approach is the understanding that all behaviors have a purpose and that behaviors are reinforced when that purpose is achieved or they are otherwise rewarded for it. ABA aims to reinforce good behaviors and replace harmful behaviors with healthy alternatives. For example, a child might act out in class to get out of work when they’re overwhelmed, and that behavior is reinforced when they are sent away to the principal’s office. The ABA approach to this scenario might be to stop sending the child away when they act out and provide them with a less disruptive way to ask for a break when they need one.

Not only can it be used to curb harmful behaviors, but also to meet and reinforce important developmental milestones like communication skills and impulse control. Caregivers can use similar techniques at home to help children develop healthy habits and behaviors.

ABA Crash Course

The ABC Model is a core principle of ABA. It stands for antecedent, behavior, and consequence, seeking to understand what happens before, during, and after a behavior that might cause and reinforce it. The behavior is the action taken, and the consequence is what directly results from the behavior which may reinforce or punish it. The antecedent is the part that is often overlooked: anything in the environment that might lead to a behavior. Effective behavior modification not only considers the consequences of actions, but also why those behaviors occur. To modify behavior, we can try modifying the antecedents and consequences of those behaviors.

Managing Escape Behaviors

It’s no secret that children often throw tantrums and act out when they want to get out of a task - this is known as an escape behavior. For caregivers, the easiest solution is usually giving the child what they want by removing them from the situation, which reinforces the behavior. However, understanding the purpose of escape behaviors makes them more manageable by allowing us to prevent such situations ahead of time and teach better coping strategies.

Children typically want to escape situations that are overwhelming, overstimulating, or just not fun for them. One way to prevent escape behaviors before they happen is to help manage overwhelming sensory input. Providing sensory tools like headphones and giving them opportunities to make their own choices and feel more in control can help them feel less overwhelmed and feel less of a need to escape.

Children are bound to be overwhelmed by situations sometimes despite our best efforts. An important step in the ABA process is replacing harmful behaviors with better alternatives to meet the same need. Although it is important to avoid reinforcing escape behaviors by removing the child, it is equally important to allow them to take breaks to get relief when they need it. If you notice your child getting upset in a situation, you can ask them if they need a break before escape behaviors like tantrums occur. This teaches them that asking for help is a better alternative to dangerous and disruptive outbursts.

Reinforcing Communication

ABA techniques can also be used to reinforce important skills as your child develops them. One example of this is communication. For some kids it can be hard to consistently use their words or speech devices when they aren’t motivated to do so, but you can help them get motivated by teaching them that their words have meaning. Whether it be with an AAC device, ASL, or verbal communication, taking their words and requests literally reinforces communication by showing them that their needs can be met through communicating with caregivers. This can sometimes mean making compromises (e.g. allowing your child to eat junk food for breakfast upon request) in favor of reinforcing communication.

These are just two examples of how ABA techniques can be used by caregivers, but reinforcement and the ABC model can be used in a variety of contexts to manage behavior and foster development. However, every child is different, and these strategies may not apply for every situation. A qualified ABA therapy provider can assess your child’s individual needs and create detailed treatment plans, and are usually covered by health insurance for children with ASD. Talk to your OT about being referred to an ABA program if you think this is something that might be right for your child!