ABA and Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Scientific Support

Applied Behavior Analysis and Neurodevelopmental Disorders:
Overview and Summary of Scientific Support

Authors: Louis P. Hagopian & Eric W. Boelter
The Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

"Applied Behavior Analysis Defined.

Behavior analysis is the systematic study of variables that influence behavior (Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991). Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a discipline concerned with the application of behavioral science in real-world settings such as clinics or schools with the aim of addressing socially important issues such as behavior problems and learning (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). Procedures derived from the discipline of ABA have been implemented to assess and treat a broad range of behaviors with individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, despite more than 40 years of applied behavior analytic research there continues to be misperceptions about ABA. One misperception is that ABA is a standardized treatment program that is used for a specific type of problem and with specific types of individuals. For example, some incorrectly believe that ABA is a type of therapy or a specific procedure for teaching children with autism, and that it is synonymous with “Lovaas Therapy” or “discrete trial training.” Although discrete trial training represents one type of ABA-based approach, the field of ABA is much broader and includes a range of tactics, methods, and procedures that have been shown to be effective for many different types of problems. Features common to all ABA-based approaches are the objective measurement of behavior, precise control of the environment, and use of procedures based on scientifically established principles of behavior. Any clinical procedure or research investigation adhering to these basic criteria can be considered to be an ABA-based procedure. This includes “functional behavioral assessment,” and approaches such as “Positive Behavioral Support,” and forms of “Behavior Therapy” that rely on direct observation of behavior and analysis of behavior-environment relations..."

FULL ARTICLE

• Applied Behavior Analysis Defined
• Scientific Support for Applied Behavior Analysis
• Application of ABA-based procedures across settings and populations
• Scientific, Professional, and Government Organizations’ Position on Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Empirically Supported Treatments for Problems Associated with Mental Retardation, Autism and Related Disorders.
• Legislative Rulings in Support of Funding and Access to ABA-Based Services.
• Link to list of references