ABA Therapy

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is not a therapy in itself, but a

theory or a set of principles on which some therapies are based. The

theory identifies various teaching techniques that generally involve

breaking down complex skills (or Behaviour) into smaller steps and

teaching them through the use of clear instructions, rewards and

repetition. ABA uses this idea to teach and encourage new and

appropriate Behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorder

(ASD).

ABA-based programs involve:

• Assessing the child’s current skills and difficulties

• Setting goals and objectives – for example, learning how to say

‘hello’

• Measuring how often the Behaviour or skill happens currently

• Designing and implementing a program that teaches the ‘target’

skill

• Ongoing measurement of the ‘target’ skill to see whether the

program is working

• Ongoing evaluation of the program itself, making changes as

needed