1. Applied Behavior Analysis Dr. Terrasi 2010 1

2. ABA as the treatment of choice Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the only scientifically validated treatment for autism and is recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General. 2 Dr. Terrasi 2010

3. Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) Definition “Applied behavior analysis is the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behavior are systematically applied to improve socially significant behavior.” (Cooper, Heron, and Heward) 3 Dr. Terrasi 2010

4. Basic Principles of ABA Behavior is defined in objective and measurable terms Examines the functional relationship between behavior and its controlling variables Analyzes socially significant behavior in need of improvement Analyzes behavior through a three term contingency (Module 1) 4 Dr. Terrasi 2010

5. The next slide provides examples of the three term contingency. Note how significant MOTIVATION is! 5 Dr. Terrasi 2010

6. Three Term Contingency Antecedent-- Behavior— Consequences “Touch nose”- Child touches nose- receives piece of cookie “Do Puzzle”- Child falls to floor- Demand withdrawn 6 Dr. Terrasi 2010

7. You use the principles ofABA all day long! ABA is used to: Increase positive behaviors such as language, manners, self care and academic skills. 2. Decrease negative behaviors such as tantrums, biting, kicking and crying. 7 Dr. Terrasi 2010

8. $1000 Activity Think of a child you know with challenging behaviors: If I gave you $1000 for that child to have a “good day” with little to no problem behavior, what would you do? 8 Dr. Terrasi 2010

9. Pick one or two targetbehaviors Select the target behavior to be reduced by examining… a. The seriousness of the behavior…target behaviors that are self injurious or could injure others before….behaviors such as eye contact or not paying attention. b. The frequency of the behavior 9 Dr. Terrasi 2010

10. Define Setting Event Aspects of a person’s environment or daily routine that do not necessarily occur immediately before the behavior. – Medication Change – Medical problems (bladder infection, rash, sick) – Sleep problems – Number of people in room – Daily schedule -how predictable -how much choice does the child have 10 Dr. Terrasi 2010

11. Immediate Antecedents What triggered the behavior? What happened IMMEDIATELY before the problem behavior started? - told child no - desired activity was terminated 11 Dr. Terrasi 2010

12. Using the principles ofABA to reduce problembehavior Be SPECIFIC when you define the target behavior! Not SpecificSpecific Kicks Kicks feet against the chair. Irritable Bites his forearm. Frustrated Hits his head with his fist. 12 Dr. Terrasi 2010

13. The C= Consequences Reinforcement - A consequence that results in increasing or maintaining the future rate of the behavior it follows. Punishment - A consequence that results in decreasing the future rate of the behavior it follows. 13 Dr. Terrasi 2010

14. Consequences Any behavior that occurs repeatedly is serving some useful function and producing some type of reinforcement! 14 Dr. Terrasi 2010

15. Consequences After a behavior has occurred the environment can change in several ways: 15 Dr. Terrasi 2010

16. Consequences 1. A neutral event can happen: if nothing happens that is relevant, the consequence will likely have no effect on the behavior. 2. Things can get better: if things get better, the behavior will likely occur again under similar conditions. This is called reinforcement. 3. Things can get worse: if things get worse, the behavior will likely not occur again under similar conditions. This is called punishment. 16 Dr. Terrasi 2010

17. Things Get Better:Reinforcement Reinforcement is a change in the environment following a behavior that increases the future probability of that behavior under similar circumstances. 17 Dr. Terrasi 2010

18. Things Get Worse:Punishment When things get worse following a behavior, the behavior is less likely to occur in the future under similar circumstances. This is punishment. 18 Dr. Terrasi 2010

19. Remember Reinforcement (even negative reinforcement) increases behavior so Reinforce behaviors you WANT! Punishment decreases the likelihood of behavior so Punish behaviors you DON’T WANT! 19 Dr. Terrasi 2010

20. Is Time Out a Reinforcement or a Punishment? Need to look whether time out is increasing or decreasing the frequency of the target behavior. Most people think Time Out is a punisher but it functions as a reinforcement for many children. 20 Dr. Terrasi 2010

21. ABC Data Without taking baseline data to identify the Antecedent, Behavior and Consequence (Module One), it isn’t wise to implement a behavior reduction program. 21 Dr. Terrasi 2010

22. Functions of ProblemBehavior To obtain something desirable such as: Attention, Tangibles, Sensory Stimulation. To avoid or escape something undesirable such as Task avoidance. 22 Dr. Terrasi 2010

23. Functions of ProblemBehavior To obtain something desirable such as: Attention, Tangibles, Sensory Stimulation. To avoid or escape something undesirable such as Task avoidance. 23 Dr. Terrasi 2010