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Curb Challenging Behaviours With Applied Behaviour Analysis

Applied Behavioural Analysis

Applied Behavioural Analysis (or ABA) is a system of applying intervention techniques in order to decrease challenging behaviours. Since the 1960’s,ABA has been shown to be an effective treatment especially for children who have a diagnosis of Autism and other Developmental Disorders. However, adults with Autism can also benefit from ABA therapy.

Autism

Children and adults with a diagnosis of Autism might do things that some of us see as socially inappropriate, for example throwing a tantrum over a small thing being out of place, or giving unsolicited advice to a stranger. This behaviour can often hinder individuals from developing friendships and can prevent them from progressing in social and work relationships. Since individuals diagnosed with Autism may not recognize social norms and cues, they’re often left to wonder why. What most people don’t understand is that individuals with Autism have to be taught these skills in order to make improvements in their behaviour and everyday functioning – this is where treatments such as ABA come in.

ABA, which you can find offered at health services like http://integrate-health.ca/ in Ajax, is an effective intervention that is customized to each individual based on their needs, interests, skills and preferences.  A therapist will work with an individual by running through a number of programs uniquely developed for a specific learner. During programs, a therapist might provide roleplaying games, discuss fictional characters’ interactions and reactions, and teach skills such as picking up on other people’s emotional cues, tones of voices, and even imitating those speech patterns and tones. All of the above helps to decrease challenging behaviours in both children and adults, and promotes the learning ofnew social skills such as being able to eat out, interact with others and attending public places without becoming overwhelmed.

ABA technique

ABA techniques have also proven to be effective for teens and adults. ABA programs can help individuals identify goals and then therapists will develop programs to assist individuals in the development of social skills, daily living skills and employment. Children, on the other hand, have more open minds and are looking to adults to guide them, so in that case, the therapist has to get to know them and their needs through discussions with their parents and sessions/observations of the child. ABA recognizes that every client is unique and, as a result, does not even try to work in a one-size-fits-all approach.

ABA is a therapy that was developed from Psychologist B.F. Skinner’s theory of behaviourism, a theory that believes that learned skills and behaviours that are rewarded, are more likely to be repeated. It may seem obvious to us now that punishment is not a great motivator for behavioural change, but unfortunately society can still reinforce challenging behaviours and leave positive behaviours unrewarded.

ABA techniques also focus on developing the skill of emotional intelligence; the ability to control one’s emotions, and be aware of the interpersonal effects of our actions, making us more empathetic and understanding human beings. If you’re interested in ABA services, you’re encouraged to look online for health services that offer this effective technique.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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