What is Applied Behavioral Analysis?

The need to develop research-based services for people with autism has been rising in the current era. On such person-centered service is the applied behavior analysis that's widely gaining a lot of popularity by both professionals and ordinary people.

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What is applied behavior analysis?

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It’s the application of various principles to improve communication, learning, and social skills on children with developmental issues. Professionals have widely used it to positively ensure children with developmental disorders like autism get a better understanding of themselves and others. Apart from this, it has been helpful in treating other conditions like eating disorders, anger issues, substance abuse, anxiety, and dementia.

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How applied behavior analysis works

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Applied behavior analysis is typically subdivided into phases depending on the level of needs of a child as follows:

a. Evaluation

The first step involves visiting an expert therapist in applied behavior analysis to evaluate your kid's abilities, talent, strengths, and weaknesses. The therapist will then take time to check out your kid's skills, behavior, and expressions. Sometimes, the therapist may decide to go the extra mile by visiting your home or school to make observations on your child in different environments. After the observations, the therapist will recommend the best interventions based on what he or she sees as pleasant for your child.

b. Create a plan

Now that the therapist has made enough observations on your child's strengths, abilities and weaknesses, the next thing is to develop an excellent plan. The plan must be objective, depending on your child's situation. The goal here is to ensure the recommended interventions don’t result in harmful behavior but rather improves the skills at hand.

c. Caregiver training

Since the child won't spend all the time with the therapist, the caregivers, who mostly are parents, are properly trained to instill the desired behaviors. This way, the caregiver gets tips for proper behavioral enforcement without compromising on any important aspect.

d. Regular assessment

To ensure that your child is developing the required skills and behaviors, it's essential for the therapist to check the progress from time to time. This regular assessment is essential in understanding the strategies to add or remove in the therapy.

In conclusion, these are the phases of applied behavior analysis. When properly undertaken, your child will develop proper communication skills, have focus, socialize effectively, and eliminate destructive behaviors.