10 Effective ABA Therapy Techniques
Since 1990, the rate of autism has been increasing, which raises the need to not consider autistic individuals as “different” but to explore the techniques and therapies that can make their lives manageable.
ABA therapy was introduced in the 1960s by Ole Ivar Lovaas, a Norwegian American clinical psychologist who has spent 50 years of his life researching ways to improve the lives of autistic children and their families.
ABA therapists uriese a vaty of techniques that help autistic kids learn skills and reduce problematic behavior. In this article, ten effective ABA therapy techniques are discussed. So, continue reading to know more about them.
10 Effective ABA Therapy Techniques
Here are the ten effective ABA therapy techniques:
1. Discrete Trial Training
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is one of the major techniques used in ABA therapy to teach new skills and behaviors. The whole principle of this technique is breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable, and step-wise tasks and then teaching them by repetitive practice and reinforcement.
The task could be as simple as identifying the emotions in a picture or just saying “hello.” The therapist starts by giving simple and clear instructions, such as picking up the red block. If the individual responds to the instruction and picks up the red block, the therapist provides immediate response or feedback. The feedback could be a praise or a reward that encourages them to repeat the task.
2. Positive Reinforcement
In simpler terms, positive reinforcement is treating the child with praise or reward when they perform any action or behave in a certain way you like them to. This praise or reward encourages them to repeat that certain action or desired behavior.
For example, if an ABA therapist wants to train the children to use the communication device to ask for cookies, the therapist will encourage the child by saying, “If you want a cookie, you need to say it on your device.” If the child successfully presses the button that says “cookie” on the device, the trainer will not only offer the cookie immediately but also praise the child with words like “Great Job asking for a cookie.”
This will not only motivate the child to repeat this specific behavior of pressing the button when they need a cookie but also increase their morale and boost confidence.
3. Picture Exchange Communication System
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely used augmentative communication method developed by Andrew S. Bondi and Lori Frost. This method is basically designed to address the unique needs of each individual, especially the ones who have limited or no verbal communication skills.
It uses pictures and visual representations of words and concepts, which are easier to understand as compared to verbal instructions. The therapist starts with simple symbols and icons, and depending on the progress of the patient, PECS introduces more complex structures. This helps the children understand the command and express their needs without the need for verbal communication.
4. Negative Reinforcement
Up to 20% of autistic individuals show tantrums, aggression, and anger, depending on the place and occasion. Excessive negative behavior is usually addressed by negative reinforcement. In this technique, the caretaker punishes the child to let them know that their behavior is not right.
However, it is necessary to keep in mind that punishment should not be harsh. A simple step like taking away their favorite toy or restricting their playtime can be effective in mitigating the negative behaviors and improving their social skills.
5. Redirection
This technique is widely used in applied behavior analysis ABA therapies to distract the child from any inappropriate activity and involve them in an appropriate one. You can understand it as if your child is trying to do any self-harm; instead of reacting to their action, the caretaker or the therapist tries to shift their attention towards any other activity. This breaks their attention, and they will not try to repeat that action to gain attention.
6. Functional Behavioral Assessment
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a systematic and initiatory approach to understanding the reasons behind specific behaviors. This information is then implemented in the development of effective intervention strategies.
The process involves collecting data through observations and interviews, defining the behavior, performing analysis, hypothesis forming, and lastly, verifying the process; the therapist monitors the progress and makes necessary changes to bring positive results to the table.
7. Behavioral Momentum
This is a technique of Applied Behavior Analysis that uses the principle of “momentum” to increase compatibility with challenging or non-preferred tasks. The therapist starts with the easier tasks or the ones that the person likes to do and then presents a challenging or low-probability task.
Now, this approach works on the idea that the successful completion of easier tasks creates momentum that increases the chances that individuals with autism spectrum will complete the challenging one as well.
8. Incidental Teaching
Incidental teaching is one of the ABA therapy techniques for autism spectrum disorders that is focused on teaching the child in the most natural way. For example, if the caretaker observes that the child shows interest in cooking a “pretend soap,” the caretaker will avail that moment to teach the child vocabulary related to soap and cooking. In this way, the child learns new vocabulary not forcefully but enjoys the learning process.
9. Pivotal Response Training
Pivotal Response Training is a form of Applied Behavior Analysis that focuses on the pivotal behaviors such as motivation, self-management, and social interaction that influence all other behaviors. This type of training is implemented when the child is engaged and comfortable and integrates learning into the daily routine.
10. Modelling
Modeling is also used as a technique in ABA therapy in which the therapist acts as the role model and performs certain tasks often to get noticed by the child. For example, if the therapist wants to teach the child how to hold the pencil correctly, they spend time correctly positioning the fingers to hold the pencil and then draw the child’s attention towards how to make a mark.
Final Words
So, autistic children just need to be treated with more attention and care, and with proper implementation of therapies and effective techniques, they are more likely to live healthy, independent lives.
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