Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis or behavior modification is when the principles of the pure science of behavior analysis are used to teach in any applied setting. This means that the principles used to describe how behavior is lawful, observable and measurable, and has an impact on the environment have been adapted into teaching methods based on those principles.
The most important thing about ABA is that functional goals, determined by a behavior analyst as well as the family, be implemented in a positive and effective way for the child. At Peace By Piece we use the application of behavior analysis known as the verbal behavior approach. (Click HERE to find out more about "Verbal Behavior") Collecting and analyzing data is imperative in order to accurately measure the child's progress, evaluate the effectiveness of the child's treatment plan, and to identify skills and/or behaviors that need to be taught. There are a variety of data collection methods such as continuous data procedures and time sampling procedures that yield reliable, accurate, and valid data. The staff at Peace By Piece uses a variety of data collection methods to measure progress.
Effective ABA programming should blend discrete-trial procedures with a variety of other ABA methods. At Peace By Piece the other 75% of direct instruction is centered on the principles of Natural Environment Teaching, Errorless Learning and Verbal Behavior. Our biggest emphasis will ALWAYS be centered on making therapy individualized, enjoyable, functional, and meaningful, while engaging the child in positive social interactions.
Key Points About ABA
1)The modifications should be done based on the child and analyzed data.
2)The child, along with our personal knowledge, tells us what's effective and what's not.
3)The behavior that's targeted for change is always chosen so that the life of the child will be improved
4)The science of behavior analysis is solid; it's the applications of it that need adjustment.
There aren’t different kinds of ABA rather different applications of the SAME science of behavior analysis. Some variations of this application are the “Lovaas approach," "Discrete Trial Teaching" "Natural Environment Teaching," and "Applied Verbal Behavior"
The PXP Difference
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is one of the main pre-requisites to obtain services from Peace By Piece. Not only is this involvement crucial when developing an appropriate program for the child but we feel it is particularly important for parents to be trained how to implement the procedures as well.
One Size Does NOT Fit ALL!
One Size Does NOT Fit ALL!
At Peace By Piece, in order for a skill to be considered mastered, the child must utilize it in a way that is functional, meaningful and generalized in his/her daily life and in his/her community. This does NOT mean the child can use the skill exclusive during 1:1 or “table work!” Our program only relies on discrete trial teaching methods for 25% of our direct instruction. This is because research has demonstrated that overusing discrete-trial training tends to produce skills that do not carry over (generalize) from the training situation to other everyday situations