Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
T I P S A N D R E S O U R C E S F O R FA M I L I E S
Home Example:
• Antecedent: A toddler sees a new toy car on a high shelf
• Behavior: The child reaches for the car
• Consequence: The parent sees the child reach for the
car and reaches to get it while modeling the word “car”
for the child.
In this example, the child is likely to repeat this reach in
the future since it was reinforced with access to the car.
In addition, the child may add the word “car” to the reach
since the two actions were paired by the caregiver.
What behaviors can be addressed through ABA?
What is Applied Behavior Analysis? A number of skills can be taught using interventions
ABA is a science that studies the way people interact with based in the principles of ABA, including social skills,
their environments, including observable events, sensory communication, learning readiness, self-care, self-
experiences, and internal states, and how those interactions regulation, and other skills that can take the place of
impact individuals and their future interactions. It is not a challenging behaviors. Learners, and their families for
single intervention or approach. ABA has many applications young children, should take the lead in establishing the
and usages, including teaching new skills. A number of goals for ABA. Skills to be taught should be meaningful
intervention strategies and programs are based on the and improve quality of life for the learner. ABA should
principles of ABA (e.g., Naturalistic teaching, Pivotal not be used to teach skills that only serve to reduce
Response Training, etc.) characteristics of autism or to make others more
comfortable (e.g., reducing self-stimulatory behavior,
Interventions are based on the idea that behaviors are reducing repetitive talk).
learned and maintained by the response they receive from
others and the individual’s internal response to the behavior. Who benefits from ABA strategies?
• Antecedents: Events that occur immediately before a ABA strategies are often recommended for autistic
behavior. students or students with other developmental disabilities.
• Behavior: A response to the persons or things around us However, the effectiveness is not limited to individuals with
at any given time. disabilities and ABA-based interventions can be used in a
• Consequences: Events that occur immediately after the variety of skill building situations.
behavior.
Who can teach ABA strategies?
What are examples of ABA in action? Interventions and strategies can be effectively used and
School example: implemented by different people. Individuals can be
• Antecedent: The teacher gives students an assignment. certified to deliver ABA services. These individuals are
• Behavior: Student raises hand and asks for help with #3. called Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). You do
• Consequence: The teacher provides additional instruction not have to be a BCBA to effectively learn and use ABA
and breaks #3 into several smaller tasks so that the teaching strategies. In fact, a competent behavioral service
student can successfully complete the task. provider will teach others (e.g., caregivers, teachers) how to
implement strategies and interventions.
In this example, the student is likely to ask for help again
Please see reverse for resources.
when needed since this skill worked to access the support
needed.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
R E S O U R C E S
Who We Are and Who We Serve Local and National Resources
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) works with
and for people with disabilities and their family members, Behavior Analyst Certification Board
educators and service providers, researchers, students, and www.BACB.com
policy makers. Faculty and staff engage in interdisciplinary A nonprofit corporation established to meet professional
research, training, service, and information dissemination credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts,
and work in collaboration with local, state and national governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services.
networks and partners. (615) 322-8240, toll-free (866) 936- Their website includes a registry of current Board Certified
8852, vkc.vumc.org Behavior Analysts.
Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Autism Speaks
Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) www.autismspeaks.org
TRIAD is a VKC program dedicated to improving
assessment and treatment services for children with autism ABA International
spectrum disorders and their families while advancing www.abainternational.org
knowledge and training. See TRIAD.vumc.org or call Print Resources
(615) 322-7565. Selecting a Behavioral Services Provider Tips and Resources
Take Part in Research for Parents is a fact sheet that provides information on
StudyFinder is a searchable database that lists current VKC how to select a qualified and effective behavioral services
studies. Studies seek people of all ages with and without provider. See vkc.vumc.org/assets/files/tipsheets/
developmental disabilities. See vkc.vumc.org/studyfinder. behservicesprovidertips.pdf.
Research Match is a secure place for volunteers and Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., & Heward, W.L. (2007). Applied
researchers to connect. See researchmatch.org Behavior Analysis (2nd Edition). Upper Saddle River, New
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Provides free information, referral sources, and help with Contact the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
navigating services via phone, email, and website. Assistance Nashville (615) 322-8240
is available to individuals of all ages, all types of disabilities, Toll-Free (866) 936-VUKC [8852]
and all languages spoken. Its website database has more vkc.vumc.org
than 3,000 agencies searchable by Tennessee county and
[email protected]service. Pathfinder is a project of the VKC and is partially
funded by Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
and other state agencies. (615) 322-8529, toll-free (800) 640-
4636, TNPathfinder.org
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