Research

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Behavior and Communication Approaches

According to reports by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the national Research council, behavior and communication approaches that help children with ASDs are those that provide structure, direction and organization for the child in addition to the family participation.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

A notable treatment approach for people with an ASD is called applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA has become widely accepted among health care professionals and used in many schools and treatment clinics. ABA encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors in order to improve a variety of skills. The child's program is tracked and measured.

For example, a teacher might ask a child put his toys away. If the child puts his toys way, the teacher will praise the child (e.g., "Great job!"). If the child does not put the toys away, the teacher might guide the child's hand or withhold a reward until the child puts the toys away. The teacher would then record how many times the child put his toys away to see how well the treatment is working.

ABA Methods are used to:

Teach new skills

Increase new positive behaviors

Continue positive behaviors

Cut down on behaviors that interfere with learning

Research Studies at The Scott Center:

Currently we are conducting many research studies at The Scott Center. Please visit Resources to see which ones we are recruiting for.