What is a ABA Progrm?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior ABA generally assumes that appropriate behavior including speech, academics and life skills can be taught using scientific principles. ABA assumes that children are more likely to repeat behaviors or responses that are rewarded (or “reinforced”), and they are less likely to continue behaviors that are not rewarded. Eventually, the reinforcement is reduced so that the child can learn without constant rewards. The most well-known form of ABA is called discrete trial instruction (DTI). Skills are broken down into the smallest tasks and taught individually. Discrete, or separate, trials may be used to teach eye contact, imitation, fine motor skills, self-help, academics, language and conversation. Students start with learning small skills, and gradually learn more complicated skills as each smaller one is mastered. If a therapist is trying to teach imitation, for example, she may give a command, such as “Do this,” while tapping the table.
