Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

About ABA/Verbal Behavior

"Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behavior are systematically applied to improve socially significant behavior in a meaningful degree and to demonstrate experimentally that the procedures employed were responsible for the improvement in behavior." Applied Behavior Analysis (Cooper, Heron, & Heward 1987) p.15

In summary, ABA is the science of understanding and improving human behavior as it is applied to learning.

The Growing Together Therapeutic Center implements effective, research-based programs for improving communication and cognitive skills. Our programs utilize methods which are consistent with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. (For more information on our program, click here).

The ABA approach can help children with autism lead more independent and socially active lives. In the late 1960s and 70s, Dr. Ivar Lovaas conducted research which proved that the ABA method has shown significant results when used to teach children with autism (and related disabilities) to communicate and learn skills necessary to function in their daily lives.

Discrete trail teaching is a method that applies the behavioral principals. It has shown to be an effective means of breaking down information so that children with autism can learn. This process works to develop most cognitive, communication, play, social and self-help skills.

The Discrete Trail teaching technique involves:

Breaking a skill into smaller parts
Teaching one sub-skill at a time until mastery
Providing concentrated teaching
Providing prompting and prompt faded as necessary
Using reinforcement procedures
Providing generalization in variety of settings and people in the natural environment

The Growing Together Therapeutic Center also incorporates the "Verbal Behavior" (VB) method that is based upon B.F. Skinner's Analysis of Verbal Behavior.

Click here for information about our individual therapy and group programs. (link each one)