The Autism Center of Northern Michigan
The Autism Center of Central Michigan
Phone:(231) 668- 4909
Fax: (231) 943-1334
Phone: (989) 941-3730
Fax: (989) 486-3129
Applied Behavior Analysis
Definition
"Applied behavior analysis is the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behavior are systematically applied to improve socially significant behavior to a meaningful degree and to demonstrate experimentally that the procedures employed were responsible for the improvement in behavior (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 1987, p. 14).”
History
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as we know it today would not exist without B.F. Skinner. Skinner is the father of behaviorism and he studied many of the principles used in the application of ABA. Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2007) state: “Without question, Skinner’s writings have been the most influential both in guiding practice of the science of behavior and in proposing the application of principles of behavior to new areas (p. 11).” Skinner was very influential in the development of the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, but is truly known for founding the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) which is a different branch of Behavior Analysis. For ten years prior to the formation of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) in 1968, behaviorists had realized the concern of publishing applied research in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (1958) which was intended for tightly controlled laboratory experiments to examine the principles of behavior. Not long after, the field of Behavior Analysis split into experimental and applied fields, behaviorists realized that they had a need for their own professional collaboration. While the APA officially accepted the Analysis of Behavior (Division 25) in 1964, these professionals decided there was a need for greater collaborative efforts. In 1974 the Midwestern Association for Behavior Analysis was formed, which then became the Association for Behavior Analysis, and today is known as the Association for Behavior Analysis International. This collaboration has led to great advancements in the field of ABA and has allowed behavior analysts to reach more people in need, including individuals affected by Autism, as well as those affected by brain injury and other developmental disabilities. As the field grew the need for well-trained behavior analysts became apparent, behavior analysts formed an accredited training program under the Association for Behavior Analysis in 1993. However, as time passed the field needed to narrow down the individuals who would be able to rightfully claim the title of behavior analyst to those who could properly employ the techniques of ABA and improve the lives of individuals; therefore the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) was formed in 1998. There is more about Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) under the BCBA link, but it is important to note that the field of Applied Behavior Analysis has been refined over time and so have the requirements to be a practicing professional in the field.
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
A seminal study conducted by Ivar Lovaas in 1987 compared early interventions with three groups of young children with Autism, all under the age of 46 months at intake. One group received a high-intensity ABA treatment (1:1 instruction for 40 hours per week), the second group received a low-intensity ABA treatment (1:1 for 10 hours per week), and the third group received treatment from a non ABA outside provider for 10 hours per week. Results showed that 47% of the children in the high-intensity ABA group achieved “normal” functioning, defined as scoring within the normal range of intellectual functioning on standardized IQ tests, typical school placement in a general education first grade classroom without assistance, and being described as indistinguishable from their peers. Just 2% of children in the other two groups achieved the same outcome which demonstrated that both the type and intensity of treatment are critical to outcomes. While this seminal study showed outcomes for early intervention, since this time many other studies have been published that support the use of ABA with older individuals in achieving significant outcomes.