Applied behavioral Analysis (also known as ABA) is a philosophy of a clear and systematic approach to describe, observe and measure behavior. With the use of psychological and educational techniques, this approach is individualized and is applied to each individual child differently.
ABA is best known for treating children with Autism and other developmental disabilities, to minimize behavioral disorders and behavioral symptoms, however, ABA can also be used as an intervention to help people in areas including:
AIDS prevention
Parenting
Education
Medical procedures
Language acquisition
Severe mental disorders
In Applied Behavioral Analysis programs, the intention of the care giver is to increase skills in language, play, and socialization, while minimizing the behaviors that get in the child’s way of learning. This is done by teaching the child the skills they need to learn from their natural environment. First, the caregiver has to identify the specific behaviors, and then by the ABA approach modify/reduce the behaviors of the child that are inappropriate.
There are different types of ABA approaches. Some approaches include:
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) which is a series of repeated lessons taught one- on-one. This approach encourages motivation of the child by rewarding certain positive behaviors.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) instead of targeting all behaviors at one time ABA therapists focuses on behaviors that can lead to improvements in other areas of behaviors.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) I personally am familiar with this approach, this teaches children who lack language skills to communicate with other people by giving a picture of a desired item to a partner. Later and after much practice, this evolves into forming sentences and conversations.
Combined Intervention this includes blending all these before mentioned approaches together. This can also be beneficial for the child, being that every child learns differently.
Ultimately, what works for the child is to be determined between the parents and the interventionists.
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Jeddah Institute for Speech and Hearing (JISH) offers individualized services in Applied Behavioral Analysis.
To inquire, here is the contact info:
Telephone (00966 2) 6675311
Fax number (00966 2) 6675233
e-mail us: jish@jish.com.sa
