blossom aba
CarmarthenWales
Applied Behaviour Analysis is the science of behaviour and learning of socially
significant behaviours. They need to be meaningful to the people we serve and
support them in achieving a better quality of life. Examples of socially
significant behaviours are as below: Requesting for wants and needs Learning to
use the toilet Learning play, social and leisure skills Being able to perform
independent living skills and self-help tasks Learning academic skills
Increasing the variety of foods Improving levels of tolerance to medical
procedures and routine appointment such as the dentist and the hairdresser We
can also use the science of ABA to teach individuals readiness for learning
skills and decrease behaviours of concern which include skills such as:
Cooperation Expanding preference for items and activities Flexibility Reducing
excessive and inappropriate behaviours Attending skills Reducing behavioural
supports in line with learner readiness and the acquisition of independence
Behaviours of concern include: Feeding, Sleep and inappropriate and excessive
behaviours such as teaching a child to stop when out and about and reducing
throwing behaviour. Other examples are challenging behaviours which include
self-injury and aggression towards others. Applied Behaviour Analysis has been
used with a variety of populations including those with autism and developmental
disabilities (Van Houten et al, 1988; Roane et al, 2016). Studies show the
effectiveness of ABA in the teaching of children with developmental disabilities
when compared with eclectic approaches (Howard et. al, 2005). However, ABA is
not just used with autism and developmental disabilities. ABA can also also be
used: In organisations as part of staff training (Parsons, Hollinson & Reid,
2010) With individuals that require self-management strategies to deal with
areas they are struggling with such as addiction (Petry, N. M. et al, 2000) To
help with anxiety and depression (Hayes, S & Smith, S., 2005). ABA is also used
successfully in animal training (Pryor, K., 1999). ABA literature has studies
published and evidence based research in each of the above areas. This list is
not exhaustive.